The obstetrical trephine perforator was first introduced by Paolo Assalini (1759-1840) in Italy circa.1811 and soon became popular throughout the rest of Europe except for Great Britain.  There were numerous forms with subtle modifications. Among the more popular patterns were straight designs by Johan Christian Gottfried Jorg (1779-1856) in ~1807 and by L.J.K. Mende (b.1779) of Gottingen in ~1826.  Subsequently, Carl Braun modified the design by adding a pelvic curve in ~1859.  Some devices were very sturdy and powerful enough to drill through the face if necessary.  They made a round hole about 19 millimeters in diameter, through which other instruments could be introduced to collapse of the fetal head.