Speculum
According to statnews.com, “Long before the speculum was actually called that, there were tools for getting an intimate look at a woman’s reproductive organs. In the 1600s, it was a rather frilly-looking sort of inverted salad tongs. Once the leading end was inserted into the entry of the vagina or other orifice, the user would turn the crank at the other end to widen the opening for a better view.”
Read also: 50 Famous Firsts from Science History.
Hernia tool
According to statnews.com, “Recognizing that the human body could often patch things up better than they could, doctors in the 1850s had a tool specifically for hernias. Once doctors repaired the tear in the muscle or tissue, they would insert the hernia tool into the area. This thing would be in place for about a week while scar tissue formed on it to help seal your repaired hernia.”
Make sure to also check: 13 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Human Body.
