An antique nasal speculum made from nickel plated brass. The inner sides of the blades of the speculum are lined with ivory which is held in place with brass rivets.

The ivory was for heat insulation allowing for localised cauterisation of polyps or blood vessels without burning the nares. The ivory has become darkened either from heat or blood or both. The screw mechanisms which opens the blades is marked with what looks like the sign of a scorpion.

• From the Phisick collection