The Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

The Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the RenaissanceThe Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

Spatula and Spoon Probes

Spatula probe

Spatula probe Bronze 70 x 6 mm Roman Period Rome Francis W. Kelsey. KM 21466

Spoon probe

Spoon probe Bronze 92 x 6 mm Roman Period Rome Francis W. Kelsey, 1901. KM 21467

Spoon probe

Spoon probe Bronze 135 x 8 mm Roman Period Karanis, Egypt University of Michigan Excavations, 1935. KM 21392

The spatula probe had multiple uses. For instance, it could be employed to spread medical substances on infected areas of the body as well as to mix medicines on an ointment pallet. Soranus mentions that the spatula could be used when heated to cauterize the umbilical cord. It usually had an olivary end, which is unfortunately missing in our artifact.

The spoon probe was similar in shape to the spatula probe but had a narrow leaf-shaped spoon instead. It had the same olivary end as a spatula probe. Essentially, the spoon probe was employed for pharmaceutical purposes: to remove medicines from their containers and to mix ointments. It is possible that spoon probes were also used in lithotomy operations to remove stones from the urethra.