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This is an 1883 Brunton Otoscope in original box with 3 Specula attachments. Box and instrument is stamped Ferris & Co Bristol. It is silver-plated in very good condition. John Brunton invented the Otoscope, also called Auriscope in 1862. A number of manufactures including Brunton, Husar, Ferris Co and Arnold & Sons produced them. The device was used to examine ears and also perform surgery. The instrument is pictured and described in Keith Wilbur’s book “Antique Medical Instruments”. A portion of book reads “The early Otoscope cone shaped tube or Specula tube was placed in the ear canal while left hand pulled outwards and upwards so as to elongate the cartilaginous portion of ear canal. The direct rays of the sun lighted mirror were necessary to reflect into large reflective tube or if assistant was available to hold a lantern or candle so doctor could examine ear and or perform surgery……..”. Inside the Otoscope is a mirror magnifying lens. Case measures 4” x 3.75” x 2.50”. This 130+ year old instrument will highlight any collection of antique medical eye, ear & nose instruments.
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