James Young Simpson

James Young Simpson was an obstetrician in Edinburgh, who in 1838 invented the "Air Tractor" or the vacuum extractor for difficult births to assist in getting the baby out of the birth canal and into the world. Shortly thereafter, he invented the forceps. In 1847, he discovered the anaesthetic properties of cholorform and began offering this to his patients. Another brilliant Scot who made his mark on the world, this time the world of medical science, and in particular, obstetrics! The maternity hospital in Edinburgh bears his name.