An uncommonly rare late
18th or early 19th century
ivory speculum. The obturator is made from fruitwood. The
metal handle is signed "Mathieu Paris". These wide bore
specula were often used to
introduce leeches to the cervix (for amenorrhoea). The
more common valved specula would not have the means to
constrain the leeches but using this tubular speculum
the leeches would be unable to escape and could be directed towards
the posterior vaginal wall or cervix by the obturator.
