Vaginal speculum, Roman, 100 BC-400 AD.

Bronze vaginal speculum, probably Roman, found in the Lebanon, made c. 100BC to 400AD, although the screw part is modern. It comprises a priapiscus with dovetailing valves which are opened and closed by a handle with a screw mechanism. It shows the relatively sophisticated instruments that were sometimes in use in Roman medicine. Vaginal specula were used in the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal and uterine disorders.