Tools of the Trade

Tools of the Trade

Forerunner of the cystoscope: The earliest device to allow physicians to look inside the human body was invented by German physician Philipp Bozzini. He presented his Lichtleiter, or Light Conductor, at a scientific assembly in 1806, where it was noted that its use for inspecting the pharynx and nasal cavities was remarkable. This replica of the pre-cystoscopy, candle-fueled device joins nearly 600 cystoscopes in the collections featured at the William P. Didusch Center for Urologic History at the American Urological Assn. in Linthicum, Md.

Photos courtesy of the William P. Didusch Center for Urologic History / www.urologichistory.museum