Fergusson's vaginal speculum
Date
Circa 1880-1940
Description
Tubular clear glass speculum with posterior lip longer than the anterior; the vulval end is flanged.
The Fergusson Speculum was designed by Sir William Fergusson (1808-1877) in 1870. He refers to this in his writings as 'the speculum that I devised'. However about 1855, Robert Fergusson (1799-1865) the first professor of Obstetric Medicine to King's College, began to use a straight glass speculum. The origin of the tubular glass speculum with a silvered inside is incertain, but evidence points to Robert Fergusson as the inventor. His instrument has not survivd. The design by William Fergussonis coated with quicksilver and covered in Indian rubber, which is thoroughly varnished. The mirroed glass is an excellent reflector of light and it was said that none compared in elegance, cleanliness and utility. ( Thomas 1880)
Thompson,C.J.s.,(1938) "V.The Vaginal Dilator and Speculum." Brit.J. of Surg.,XXVI,102:232.
Thomas,T.G.(1880) "A Practical Treatise on the Diseases of Women," Lea, Philadelphia:93.
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