Speculum - Aural, circa 1890

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Summary:: Speculum - Aural, circa 1890. Used for examining patients' ears in the surgery of a psychiatric hospital in Victoria Australia
Description:: Dilating aural speculum is shaped like a pair of scissors with a candle- snuffer, split down the middle instead of blades. Used for examining the ear. The 2 sides are slightly curved and joined by a swivel hinge with a flat spring below it. When the handles are squeezed together the 2 sides of the trumpet are pushed apart. The trumpet has a protruding rim (a continuation of the handles) and is very slightly concave with a half-centimetre hole at the end.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	14.00 cm (Height), 5.00 cm (Width), 6.00 cm (Length)

Tagged with:	hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, ears
Themes this item is part of:	Psychiatric Services Collection, Medicine in Society Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	MEDICINE & HEALTH
Secondary Classification:	Mental Health - Clinical
Tertiary Classification:	equipment
Place & Date Used:	Victoria, Australia, Circa 1890
References:	Bennion, Elisabeth; "Antique Medical Instruments", Sotheby Parke Bernet, Unviersity of California Press, 1979.