29 - CURIOSITY, 19th century

CURIOSITY, 19th century Ebonite and metal ophthalmic phantom H 45.5 x W 19 x D 17 cm An ophthalmic phantom is a 19th-century educational device used for teaching ophthalmic surgery. It consists of a metal half-mask mounted on a hinged stand, allowing eyes to be positioned and held in place in sockets designed for that purpose. Medical students typically inserted animal eyes (from pigs, sheep, or cattle) into it to practice surgical techniques before operating on actual patients. This type of instrument was used in medical schools and manufactured by certain specialized surgical instrument makers in the 19th century. Today, it is a rare and unique object, both scientific and historical.