Speculum

Artist/Maker
Coxeter, J.
Place Made
London, England
Date Made
1860-1923
Medium
ebony, steel
Dimensions
LOA 8; WOA 1 3/4 (closed);
Accession Number
3633.27
Description
Bi-valve steel speculum with ebony handle; handle has a screw mechanism that when turned inward the steel speculum (which is in two parts) widens.
History
HISTORY: Provenance is London, England. Made by J. Coxeter who made medical instruments. He established his company in 1836 and was known under several different names such as: J. Coxeter & Co., J. Coxeter, J. Coxeter & Son, James Coxeter & Son, and Coxeter Ltd.

OBJECT: Often made from crude materials such as: brass, steel, wood, and glass. This particular example is a gynaecological speculum. The form and idea of this instrument makes it similar to the speculums used today (1990’s).

“The main problems with specula had always been a source of light, and pain to the patient. With anaesthesia they came into their own. However, the particular problem with vaginal specula was the presumed indecency. The following extract from HINTS TO HUSBANDS shows what respectable opinion was like in 1857: [We allude to the speculum. The adoption of this instrument as we are informed, is now becoming general; and its employment plunges its wretched victim, woman, into the lowest depths of infamy and degradation. We will not pollute these pages by describing its methods of action; suffice it to say, that, to the sense of touch, common to all midwifery practices, is added, in its application, that of slight; exposure the most complete of all which modesty even in the most abject of races, invariably conceals.] (Bennion, p.132)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. John Monroe