[The matrix speculum of Récamier]

The matrix speculum probably appeared in the first century as a bronze instrument: it was dug out of the ruins of Pompeï and was still used at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1804-1806. Récamier used a slender tin tube to treat the ulcers of uterus and his tube quickly became conical and then appeared a double tin "leaflet" speculum. Four main reasons explain the great success : the smooth wall of the tube, the choice of tin to have a good lighting during the clinical examination, the conical design for anatomical reasons and the veneral diseases in Récamier's period.