Note 34 — A TREATISE OF MIDWIFERY. Part the Second. (continued 2)

This instrument was once as much in vogue, as can be supposed of a time, when instruments were not so common as they are now. But how much torture in vain must it have given before it was discovered, that “so far from answering the supposed intention of it, namely, to extend the bones of the Pelvis; it can serve no other purpose than that of bruising or inflaming the parts of the woman.” Smellie, p. 296.

Possibly the more modern instruments, which have supplanted this now exploded one, under the notion of improvement, will, in time be found to be liable to as just objection. But in the mean while what lives must be lost, what tortures endured, in the experiment! How many will have been the victims, women and children!