A fine Laennec two piece monaural stethoscope which is short and was probably used as an obstetric scope. This is of the latest of the Laennec scopes dating to circa 1830 and is made from sycamore wood which has developed a beautiful rich mellow patina over the years.

I am aware of only two others, one in a private collection and the other in Brussels medical museum (see last picture).

• From the Phisick collection