Physician's Head Mirror

Creator

• Museum of Medical History

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Media Type

Image

Description

A Physician’s Head Mirror is a simple diagnostic device typically worn by the examining physician, but less so in recent decades as they have become largely obsolete with the availability of artificial illumination devices. The head mirror was mostly used for examination of the ear, nose and throat (ENT). It comprises a circular concave mirror, with a small hole in the middle, and is attached to a headband. The mirror is worn over the physician's eye of choice, with the concave mirror surface facing outwards and the hole directly over the physician's eye, providing reflected illumination like ring light. When used properly, the head mirror thus provides excellent shadow-free illumination. Today and in older illustrations head mirrors are often used as a stereotypical part of a physician's “uniform” or costume.