Brunton type auriscope by Mayer and Meltzer, London, 1874-1914

An auriscope lets a doctor examine the inside of a patient’s ear. It is silver plated and comes with three interchangeable ear pieces called specula. Each part of the auriscope, including the main body, has an inscription dedicating it to a different hospital: the University College Hospital, the Hospital for Women, the Hospital for the Disease of the Throat and the Middlesex Hospital. The auriscope was invented by John Brunton (1835-1899) in 1865. Several varieties were developed in the following decades, although none were as popular as his model. Mayer and Meltzer of Great Portland Street, London made this auriscope.