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Hugh Chamberlen, the Elder
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Hugh Chamberlen, the Elder

British midwife
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Quick Facts
Born:
1630, London
Died:
c. 1720
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Hugh Chamberlen, the Elder (born 1630, London—died c. 1720) was a British male midwife, prominent member of a family of medical men remembered for the parts they played in the introduction of the obstetrical forceps. He was the grandnephew of Peter Chamberlen the Elder, inventor of the forceps, and was its chief exploiter. A midwife to the queen of Charles II, Chamberlen used his place at court and contacts abroad to enhance his commercial use of the instrument, which had since its invention been rigidly guarded as a family secret. While in Paris (1670), he unsuccessfully offered the secret of ...(100 of 203 words)

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