Bossi type uterine dilator

Made:
1890-1910 in Europe
Bossi's uterine dilator, for rapid dilation of cervix

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Bossi's uterine dilator, for rapid dilation of cervix
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bossi's uterine dilator, for rapid dilation of cervix, nickel-plated metal, possibly French, possibly English, c. 1900

The cervix is the neck of the uterus. Dilation of the cervix enables instruments to be introduced into the uterus for therapy or diagnosis. Dilating means to stretch or open up. It was itself believed therapeutic in some conditions. Cervical dilators were also used during childbirth. Towards the end of the 1800s, some obstetricians began using more forceful methods of inducing the process. This four-pronged expanding dilator for the cervix is one example of this approach.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A612229
Materials:
steel (nickel-plated)
Measurements:
overall: 48 mm x 357 mm x 38 mm, 0.65kg
type:
uterine dilator
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust