Amussat type intrauterine dilator with syringe for injection, Paris, France, 1865-1875
Instruments such as this dilated (widened) the cervix. This was usually as part of a diagnostic investigation or to assist medical treatment. The dilator is made of steel and ebony. Its central syringe device allowed intrauterine injection. Dilation was believed to be therapeutic in some conditions. Many such instruments were developed from the mid-1800s. This fine example was manufactured by Collin of Paris, France.
Object number:
A606212
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: gynaecology
A branch of medicine dealing with the treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive system.
Glossary: dilator
An instrument for expanding something or a part of something. In surgery this is often a passageway or an organ.