6o8 Veten'7iarv Obstetrics 



amputation of the pelvis and posterior limbs, in the breech pre- 

 sentation, it is the instrument par excellence. In the amputation 

 of the limbs it is quickly applied and safe, and its work is rapid 

 and efficient. Other types of obstetric chisels, all efficient, are 

 shown in Fig. 104. 



Supplementary to these instruments for section, there have 

 been introduced and recommended by various operators a group 

 of blunt, flat instruments known as spatulae, which are designed 

 primarily for the purpose of separating the skin of the fetus from 

 the subjacent tissues. They have a degree of merit, and aid con- 

 siderably at times in hastening the operation of detaching the 

 skin from the fetus, and thus facilitate an early completion of 

 the operation. Like all the other instruments they are made in 

 a great variety of types. Some of the most useful of these are 

 shown in Fig. 105. They are not essential, but rather auxiliary, 

 and their place may well be taken by other instruments. 

 The chisel, which we have already described, an.swers quite well 

 the purpose of a spatula at any points where the resistance may 

 be very great, while elsewhere we are in the habit of using the 

 thumb or fingers or the entire hand for .separating the skin from 

 the under-lying parts. 



General Observations Upon the Construction of 

 Obstetric Instruments. 



We have already suggested casually that obstetric instruments 

 should be of such a character as to render them easily cleaned. 

 In our personal experience we have found that instruments are 

 most readily kept in order when they are constructed of a good 

 quality of .steel, highly polished and nickel plated. Such instru- 

 ments are not readily attacked by rust, are very clean aud pre- 

 sent the smoothest po.ssible surface, so as not to irritate the 

 genital organs. The instruments should be as smooth and well- 

 rounded in all their parts as is practicable, not only that they 

 may work more readily, but also that there may be less oppor- 

 tunity for the collection of dirt at any point, which may interfere 

 with their operation or constitute a bearer of infection. This 

 naturally suggests that the instruments should be of the simplest 

 character consistent with efficiency and that screws, joints, links 

 and chains should be avoided whenever and wherever practicable. 



There has recently entered into veterinary practice, in both 



