Dr. Ballenger's clear description of "Tonsillectomy with the Scalpel" and numerous papers by specialists recommending thorough tonsillar enucleation have stimulated men in the use of the knife. This method is advocated as the quickest and most thorough of all procedures. Some of the most skilful users of the knife say that with this instrument the ideal enucleation of the tonsils is accomplished.
Like many who use the tonsil knife, I have felt the need of something to guard and retract the anterior pillar, without interfering with the movements of the knife, and without necessitating the use of another instrument in the hands of an assistant.
In a great many cases the anterior pillar overlaps a large portion of the anterior surface of the tonsil. Even after freeing this pillar and pulling the tonsil inward with the tonsil forceps, it is often necessary, in using the knife, to retract the anterior