Speculum

[D B Campbell]

Arms on Roman specula do appear quite frequently, and whilst on first consideration they seem to have no functional purpose - they wouldn't be needed to spread the two lower arms which open as the upper arm is drawn up with the screw - I have always regarded that when one considers that this is a gyneaological instrument then once inserted into the vagina the arms can then rest on the woman's thighs and so maintain the position whilst the surgeon is able to keep both hands free to conduct the procedure.

Wow -- too much information! hock: ( )