In his chapter on the extraction of weapons (VI. lxxxviii) Paul says:
‘If the weapon has a tang, which is ascertained by examination with an ear probe’ (ἐκ τῆς μηλωτῆς).
As a cautery it was used to destroy the roots of hairs, which had been removed for trichiasis. Paul says:
‘We may apply a double olive or an ear probe (μηλωτίδα) or some such fine instrument heated’ (VI. xiii).
In fistula in ano Paul says it may be used as a director to cut upon.
‘Having introduced a sound or an ear probe (ὑποβάλλοντες κοπάριον ἢ μηλωτίδα) through its orifice, we cut the skin over it at one incision’ (VII. lxxviii).
Illustrations of two ear probes are given. What I regard as the type is seen in [Pl. XV, fig. 5], which shows an instrument from the Roman Hospital at Baden. Typical specimens are not by any means common. [Pl. XV, fig. 2] shows another variety from my own collection.
Screw Probes.
On probes for wrapping round with wool we frequently raise a screw thread to enable the wool to adhere better. This useful contrivance was also known to the ancients. I give a figure of one in my possession. It was found in the Roman Camp at Sandy ([Pl. XXI, fig. 5]). It measures 9·7 cm. in length and is 1·5 mm. thick. The screwed portion occupies 7 mm. of one end. The other end is plain. The little instrument is well adapted for treating small cavities, such as an ear or a carious tooth by wrapping round the screw portion with wool and dipping in medicaments.
Ear specillum for wounds.