Chamberlen instruments: Illustration by Dr Walter Radcliffe

Identity Statement

Reference code(s)	: GB 1538 S53
Held at	: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists   Click here to find out how to view this collection at https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/library-services/archives-and-heritage/archives/ ›
Full title	: Chamberlen instruments: Illustration by Dr Walter Radcliffe
Date(s)	: 1972
Level of description	: Collection (fonds)
Extent	: 1 folder outsize
Name of creator(s)	: Dr Walter Radcliffe MA, NB, Chir, MRCS, LRCP

Context

Administrative/Biographical history:

Peter Chamberlen the elder (d.1631) was a surgeon and celebrated accoucheur, attending the queens of James I and Charles I. His name is connected with the short midwifery forceps, which he was probably the first of his family to use. His younger brother Peter (1572-1626), and grand nephew Peter (1601-1683) were also surgeons who employed and developed the Chamberlen instruments, but Peter the elder is usually credited with being their first user (Dictionary of National Biography Vol IV, OUP, 1917, pp 13-14).

Content

Scope and content/abstract:

The item comprises a sheet of pencil sketches of various instruments, including the Chamberlen forceps.

Access & Use

Language/scripts of material:
Not applicable

System of arrangement:

One item only.

Conditions governing access:

Open.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Copyright vested in Dr Walter Radcliffe.

Finding aids:

A general index to the catalogue of the RCOG Archives is maintained in the College Archives; refer to the Archivist.

Archival Information

Archival history:

This illustration was prepared by Dr Walter Radcliffe, general practitioner and author of 'The Secret Instrument', for a short talk given during an official visit to the RCOG Library by a group fo delegates from the XXIII International Congress of the History of medicine, London, 2-9 Sep 1972.

Immediate source of acquisition:

This item was transferred to the Archives from the College Library in 2001.

Allied Materials

Related material:

An engraving dated 1979 of the Chamberlen forceps, together with a likeness of Dr Peter Chamberlen, his pedigree and coat of arms, is at R3/9/1.

Publication note:

Description Notes

Archivist's note:
Sources: Biographical details of the individuals who have presented material to the College and/or comprise the subject of the records, have been compiled using information in administrative files and, where relevant, consulting Sir John Peel's book The Lives of the Fellows of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 1929-1969, Whitefriars Press Ltd, 1975. Compiled by Clare Cowling, Archivist, RCOG.

Rules or conventions:
National Council on Archives, rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997; ISAD(G), second Edition, 2000

Date(s) of descriptions:
10 December 2001