Speculum magnum matricis

This speculum, the only surviving example in Roman Hispania, was found in a tomb at Mérida in 1918. This medical instrument, a vaginal dilator used for gynaecological exams and operations, is an important testament to the advanced technology of ancient Rome.
The vertical screw served to open and close the three arms that dilated the vagina. These arms are at a right angle to the screw, which is flanked by two smooth concave bars with the ends at opposing angles. Two of the three straight arms with rounded ends are attached to the inner faces of these bars. A horizontal piece is wrapped around the ends of the bars; the screw is welded to the outer edge of this piece, and the third arm is welded to the inner edge. Pressure was applied to this horizontal piece to open the speculum, turning the screw to the right and spreading the arms outward in three different directions to a span of 8 centimetres. This form is believed to be a Roman invention.