Doctor's medical bag contents: Milne Murray's Axis Traction Forceps
Stainless steel Milne Murray's Axis Traction Forceps consisting of three connecting parts. In theory the axis traction rods were designed to apply traction to a head high in the pelvis. They are now obsolete but in practice they were often of considerable help in the action of allowing the forceps blades to move more naturally along the pelvic curve without hindrance from the operator's hands. The forceps have an English lock and an additional screw lock to maintain firm application, and the traction rods are connected in such a way as to give the best mechanical advantage. The instrument was accepted to be a little awkward for the beginner and the traction rods if used could damage the perineum unless a large episiotomy was made. The instrument could be very powerful and therefore very dangerous if not used with caution. Part of Dr Aeneas Macleod's medical bag for maternity home delivery, Dr Aeneas Macleod was a General Practitioner in Lairg until 1946 when he took over from Dr Strachan in Dornoch.
Dimensions: lentgh 385mm - Width 95mm (closed) handle 125mm - Diameter 15mm