Medical Instrument

Medical Instrument

Object name: Medical Instrument
Date: 1600-1700
Dimensions:
158 x 65 mm
Medium: Iron
Object number: C02834
DescriptionSpeculum Oris. The implement resembles an cross when folded up. The bottom half opens out into two right-angled arms. It was originally used by dental surgeons to force the jaws of a person open to treat lock-jaw. It was also used in the slave trade to force-feed slaves and stop them from starving themselves.