One of the first 19th century devices that allowed a magnified examination of the inner ear was the Brunton’s auriscope. This device is a short tube with openings for viewing, light, and to connect cone speculum that is inserted into the ear. The light focus is provided through a large funnel on the side of the tube, and a candle can be used to create artificial light. A mirror inside the tube allows the light to be directed for better vision. A magnifying lens in the eyepiece (eyepieces) allows the physician to examine the inner ear with better clarity.
Image of the Brunton auriscope with an attached candle
The Strauss Library has two examples of the Brunton auriscope. One is a cased model made by Mayer & Metzler, London, from circa 1860. It is cased in a leather box and includes 3 detachable cone speculum.
The second Brunton’s auriscope in the library’s collection is uncased. The mirror that allows the light coming into the funnel to be focused is plainly visible.