INFLATING RECTAL SPECULA.
BY J. RAWSON PENNINGTON, M.D.CHICAGO.The various rectal specula at my command, together with the advantages of atmospheric pressure not being adequate in many cases to inflate the bowel sufficiently to obtain a satisfactory inspection, I have devised a set of inflating rectal instruments, and have demonstrated their superiority in investigating the lower intestinal tract. All of the specula in the practical set have a common diameter of 21 mm., except the anoscope, which is conical, being 30 mm. in diameter at the junction of the flange and cylinder. Its cylinder is 5 cm. long, that of the proctocope 12 cm. The distinctive features are the cap (C) and the tube (T) for connecting the insufflator (I).
Technic.
—The obturator (O), being placed in the speculum (S), is warmed and well coated with vaselin. When introduced into the bowel, the obturator is withdrawn and the cap