Siegle's pneumatic otoscope (a) with lens protector (b); the otoscope is metal, hollow and cylindrical; the otoscope tapers down from the lens to a conical ear piece; the ear piece is attached to the lens with a leather washer set between the components; the lens component rounds out to a flat, rou…
Siegle's pneumatic otoscope (a) with lens protector (b); the otoscope is metal, hollow and cylindrical; the otoscope tapers down from the lens to a conical ear piece; the ear piece is attached to the lens with a leather washer set between the components; the lens component rounds out to a flat, round opening;the inside of the opening is set with a fitted round glass lens; the inside rim is threaded to allow the attachment of (b); the bottom of the lens component has a short hollow length of cylindrical tubing; the end of the tube flares outwards to allow the attachment of rubber tubing, and has a small opening at the bottom; the lens is protected by (b), which consists of an open ring of metal that has threading on its lower edge; the outer edge of this ring has gripping lines stamped into the metal.
Number Of Parts
2
Part Names
a - otoscope - Size: Length 7.3 cm x Width 4.5 cm x Depth 2.0 cm
b - lens protector - Size: Depth 0.4 cm x Diam. 2.5 cm
Provenance
Originally owned by Dr. Publow, who practised in Prince Edward County between 1850 and 1900. Given to Dr. M. Williams, head of Otolaryngology at Queen's University.
Dates
1890
1910
circa 1890-1910
Material
metal: silver
glass: clear
leather: brown
Inscriptions
None
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E3-15
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Condition Remarks
The otoscope shows normal wear; some minor scratches; no corrosion; artifact is complete; there are no chips, breaks or cracks; #2: The metal showed no signs of corrosion; there was a green discolouration on the leather ring behind the lens..
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Reference Comments
Dr. M. Williams; "An Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of Max Wocher and Son," by Max Wocher and Son, 189–, p. 88 (similar to item #870); "Antique Medical Instruments," by C. Keith Wilbur, M.D., 1987, p. 53
Research Facts
Used to visually inspect the outer ear as well as the mobility of the eardrum; a rubber tube with an earpiece at the end would have been attached to the small tube at the bottom of the otoscope so that the doctor could listen for any signs of fluid buildup (acute otitis media).
Exhibit History
On display at Hotel Dieu Hospital circa 1983-1993; the item was mounted on an acidic board with copper-covered wires to secure it; on exhibit in the Cabinet of Curiosities, Sept. 2001-May 2002.