title: [Surgical instruments for impossible births in the Museum of History of Medicine in Roma].
abstract: The Museum of History of Medicine of Rome collects gynaecological and obstetrical instruments. Forceps and embriotomy instruments illustrate the evolution of a sort of an "obstetrical speciality", from antiquity to XIX century. The article focuses mainly on the gradual transformation of forceps's use, from abortive to useful instrument for childbirth.
authors.affiliation: Sezione di Storia della Medicina, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", I.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marinozzi
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D009144:Museums; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000266:history*; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000266:history / Q000295:instrumentation; D011247:Pregnancy; D012384:Rome; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000266:history*