| Date | 1842 |
|---|---|
| Location | Unknown |
| Description | A device that James Young Simpson designed as a possible alternative to forceps, in cases of prolonged labour. The rubber cup was held in place over the baby’s head by suction but there were technical difficulties in maintaining suction, and the device was not taken up at this time. However, a century later, when synthetic materials became available, the concept became a reality. Nowadays one in eight deliveries in the UK are assisted either by forceps or by ventouse (a suction cup), which is a modern variation of Simpson’s original idea. 19th century |
| Format | |
| Original Index Number | @EQY |
