THE FORCEPS. 



91 



forceps,) were straight in the direction of their length ; that is, they 

 had only one curve, that which applied itself to the child's head. 

 Drs. Smellie and Levret, both about the same time, gave to the 

 blades a new curve on the edges, so as to adapt them to the axis of 

 the pelvis. This modification is therefore often spoken of as the 

 '-' New curve:' (Fig. 31.) 



Fig. 31. 



The " eclectic forceps^'' as modified by Professor Hodge, of the 

 University of Pennsylvania, combines the advantages of both the 

 long and short forceps. Fig. 32 represents them : a, lock ; 6, blunt 

 hook at end of handle; c, d^ clam; e,/, the fenestrae. 



Indications for their Use. — The forceps are indicated, 1st, where 

 nature is unable to expel the child, either from a want of sufficient 

 power, or when the labour is arrested by certain malpositions of the 

 head at the brim, or in the cavity of the pelvis ; 2d, whenever the 



