5i8 



OBSTETRIC OPERATIONS. 



times jointed ; and in this form they are preferred by some practitioners. 

 Fig. 170 represents a very useful model, the points being sharp, and one 

 point lying in a slight notch on the opposite one, to render their introduc- 

 tion into the uterus more safe, and also to prevent accidents, should the 

 tissues in which the points are implanted give way. A cord passes 

 through eyelets at the extremities of the blades, as in the other models ; 

 but sometimes the eyelets are in opposite directions, and the ends of the 

 branches in which they are pierced are bent towards each other ; this 

 variation is supposed to be accompanied by certain advantages, as in 

 Nelson's blunt and serrated forceps (Figs. 171, 172), some of the uses of 

 which have already been noticed. 



Fig. 171. 

 Nelson's Blunt Crotchet-Forceps. 



Fig. 172. 

 Nelson's Serrated Crotchet-Forceps. 



Some of the models of crotchet-forceps have a spring introduced be- 

 tween the branches, and behind the joint, as in Tallich's short instrument 

 (Fig. 173), the jaws of which are bent to one side, and toothed ; it is intend- 

 ed to secure a hold of the foetus, and make traction on parts to which 

 neither cords nor crotchet can be applied : as the skin of the cheek, or 

 the nose or ear, when the head is thrown back towards the flank, in the 

 anterior presentation. 



Another instrument of this description has been devised bv a Belgian 



Fig. 173. 

 Tallich's Short Bent Crotchet-Forceps. 



veterinary surgeon, Andre', which he designated as 2. pi?ice-forceps or accro- 

 che-foetus. This is not unlike the instrument fixed in the nose of a bull in 

 order to lead the animal. The points of the jaws are bevelled to fit into 

 each other, the bevel being grooved. In one of the jaws is a small 

 hole, into which is fixed a string that passes through the eyelet at the 

 end of the opposite branch, and which is pulled at when it is desired to 

 open the jaws. The two branches behind the joint are very short, and 

 through the eyelet of each passes a strong cord, the two ends of which 

 soon unite into a single piece (Fig. 174). When this is pulled at the jaws 

 close, as in the other jointed examples, and they remain all the more 

 firmly closed as the traction is great. In order to use the instrument, it 

 is passed by the hand into the uterus ; the jaws are fixed on the part to 

 be drawn at, by first pulling, outside the vulva, at the string which opens 

 them, pushing the points against or over the part, then, when this is be- 

 tween the points, drawing at the single cord which closes them. This is 



