William Smellie (obstetrician)

William Smellie (5 February 1697 – 5 March 1763) was a Scottish obstetrician and medical educator who is considered to be the founder of scientific midwifery.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Smellie was born in the town of Lanark, Scotland. He was apprenticed to a surgeon in Lanark, before moving to London in 1720 to further his medical studies. In 1728, he returned to Lanark and established a successful medical practice.

Career[edit | edit source]

In 1739, Smellie moved back to London, where he focused on teaching midwifery. He developed a number of innovative teaching methods, including the use of anatomical models and practical demonstrations. He also wrote extensively on the subject, publishing three volumes of A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Midwifery between 1752 and 1764.

Smellie is credited with introducing the forceps to obstetric practice, a tool that greatly improved the safety of childbirth. He also developed a method for turning the fetus in the womb to facilitate delivery, a technique that is still used today.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Smellie's contributions to obstetrics have had a lasting impact on the field. His emphasis on scientific observation and practical training set a new standard for midwifery education. His writings, particularly his Treatise, remain influential texts in the history of obstetrics.

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Britannica Biography of William Smellie

William Smellie (obstetrician) Resources
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