Wilde's speculum

This speculum is made of silver. It has a simple truncated design. It is milled at the proximal end in order to ensure that it does not injure the skin of the external auditory canal. Originally it was manufactured in three sizes and was supplied with an unique case. Once inserted this speculum would straighten the external auditory canal making visualization of ear drum that much easier.

This speculum is not self retaining but if a snugly fitting one is chosen then it will hold on to the external auditory canal allowing both hands of the surgeon free to perform the surgery. This is one of the earliest aural speculums to be designed and served as an inspiration of other design changes that followed.