LARYNGOSCOPE (from Gk. Xdptry, larynx, larynx ± tztoweip, skopciu, to look). An in strument composed of two mirrors and employed for the examination of the throat. The laryngo scope was devised by Robert Liston, but was much improved and first practically employed by Czer mak. The two mirrors are called the laryngo seopie mirror and the head-mirror. The laryngo 'scopie mirror is a small circular Mirror placed on a stalk attached to its margin, at an angle of from 120° to 150°. the stalk being about six inches in length, and being composed of flexible metal, so that it can be bent at the will of the operator. The head-mirror is a large reflecting mirror, about four to six inches in diameter, with a central opening through which the observer looks. It is attached to a spectacle frame by a stiffly working ball-and-socket joint, or, better, to a band passing about the forehead. The rays from an electric light or from a good lamp are concen trated by means of this reflector on the laryngeal mirror, which is placed against the soft palate and uvula. The laryngeal mirror, introduced
with the right hand, is maintained at such an inclination that it throws the light downward and illuminates the parts to lie examined, while at the same time it reflects the images of the parts into the eye of the observer through the central opening of the reflector. By this means he can look through the larynx into the trachea et- windpipe. The tongue, covered with a hand kerchief or with a small towel, is held lightly with the left hand and thus kept out of the way. By means of this instrument we can see the actual position of small tumors, ulcers, etc., and ascertain the color and condition of the mucous membrane lining the first part of the respiratory tract. The same arrangement is also very fre quently employed in examination of the posterior aspect of the nasal cavities.