Mirror reflects. It is so honest, that we frequently invoke a mirror for a reality check. In ancient times, mirrors were an item of luxury, made up from polished metals. Mercury coated glass mirrors were developed in quite a secrecy in 16th century Central Europe. They became more cheap and popular only in 19th century, with advent of silver polishing. Some mirrors became an integral part of medical instruments, beginning with dentistry and later on for visualization of oral cavity.
Dental mouth mirror
A dental mouth mirror is a common dental instrument. It is a small round mirror, which is placed at the end of a long slightly bent metal handle. Dentists place it at the behind of our teeth, to see the back-end of our dentures.
While use of dental mirrors may be ancient, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the modern dental mirror, as we know it today, was developed. Credit for this invention goes to Sir John Tomes, a British Dentist who popularized its use. Early instruments had a short handle, and only a little bend. Other than these two changes, over the years its design has remained quite consistent.
Its timeless design and functionality have made it a staple in dental practices worldwide. Dental mouth mirror has also featured in many postage stamps across the world.
In recent decades, dental mirrors have started to incorporate technology for enhanced functionality. Some mirrors feature built-in LED lights to provide better illumination, while others may include magnification capabilities for more detailed examinations. Additionally, digital imaging systems have been developed that allow for real-time display and capture of intra-oral images using mirrors.
Head mirror
A head mirror is mostly used for examination of the ear, nose, or oral cavity. It comprises a circular concave mirror with a small hole in the middle. It reflects light which is coming from behind the patient, helps to focus at required location on the human body. They come with a head-band, so that both hands remain free to be used.
Origin of the head mirror is traced to the year 1874. At this time a ‘‘Dr. Clar at Gleichenberg’’ published a first paper entitled: ‘‘A new lightening apparatus for laryngoscopic examination. The historical records suggests that Dr. Clar may be Konrad or Conrad Clar (1844–1904), an Austrian geologist turned physician. Clar spent
his summers as a bath physician in Gleichenberg and his winters
practicing medicine and teaching climate therapy and bacteriology
in Vienna.
Head mirrors are in a decline, with availability of better illumination and instruments. However, they remain as a symbol of medical practice, second only to stethoscope.
Mirror in a microscope
First microscopes were developed in 17th century in Europe, and used either natural or artificial light source, to illuminate slides. From the very beginning, microscopes used a mirror to reflect light. This concave mirror could also focus light to a particular point.
Not much changed in basic microscope design over the next 200 years, but improvements in lens manufacture (such as the use of purer glass) helped to solve problems like colour distortion and poor image resolution. Mirrors were added to compound microscopes to add more light and improve the image.
Before the invention of electric lighting, candles, gas lamps, and sunlight were used as a light source. The light was usually shone directly into the body tube via a mirror. With advent of electric bulbs, light source changed, but mirrors have remained quite constant.
Three mirrors in medicine – Dental mouth mirror, head-mirror and microscope mirror have remained quite constant in design as well as utility. They help us to see reality, in a quite discreet and unassuming manner. Mirrors also help us judge ourselves, our face, looks, attire and even our character.