André Levret

He was a contemporary of famed English obstetrician William Smellie (1697–1763), and along with Jean-Louis Baudelocque (1745–1810), helped advance the science of obstetrics in 18th century France.

[1] Levret is considered by many to be the most influential figure in 18th century French obstetrics.

He wrote a number of influential books in the field of obstetrics and attracted students from all over Europe, among them German obstetrician Johann Lukas Boër (1751–1835).

He is credited with improving the birth forceps by adding a "pelvic curve" to the instrument.

[2] A classical procedure for assisted breech delivery is sometimes referred to as a "Mauriceau-Levret manipulation", named after Levret and physician François Mauriceau (1637–1709).