ILLUMINATION AND EXAMINATION OF THE 
ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR NASAL 
CAVITIES 
BY 
D. BRADEN KYLE, M.D., 
OF PHILADELPHIA \ 
LARYNGOLOGIST TO ST. AGNES* HOSPITAL, INSTRUCTOR IN CLINICAL MICROSCOPY, 
AND ASSISTANT DEMONSTRATOR OF PATHOLOGY IN JEFFERSON 
MEDICAL COLLEGE. 
FROM 
THE MEDICAL NEWS, 
August 18, 1894. [Reprinted from The Medical News, August 18, 1894.J 
ILLUMINATION AND EXAMINATION OF THE 
ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR NASAL 
CA IIITIES. 
By D. BRADEN KYLE, M.D., 
of Philadelphia ; 
LARYNGOLOGIST TO ST. AGNES* HOSPITAL, INSTRUCTOR IN CLINICAL 
MICROSCOPY, AND ASSISTANT DEMONSTRATOR OF PATHOLOGY 
IN JEFFERSON MEDICAL COLLEGE. 
The method usually resorted to in the examination of 
the nasal cavities consists in the use of reflected light, 
which is projected into the cavity, as in the anterior 
cavities; or by means of reflected light and the rhino- 
scope, a view of the structures of the cavity is obtained, 
as in the post-nasal space. In order to obtain a clear 
definition of a body, the light should be at a point 
beyond the object to be examined and the position 
occupied by the observer. This is especially true of the 
various cavities. If a light then be placed within the 
post-nasal space a good view can be obtained through 
the anterior cavities, not only of the structures therein 
contained, but also largely of the naso-pharynx. With 
this end in view I have employed the following device, 
of which, so far as I am aware, the idea is original, at 
least in its application to nasal examinations and in the 
controlling of the heat by means of the aluminum cap. 
I am indebted to Mr. W. L. Turner, of Charles Lentz 
& Sons, for valuable assistance in the construction and 2 
perfection of this apparatus. A little incandescent light 
of four-voltage power is placed on the end of two light 
insulated copper wires constructed the same as a cau- 
tery-wire. (See figure.) An objection was found in the 
inconvenience caused by the heat produced by the cur- 
rent and reflected from the lamp. To obviate this it was 
found, after testing many materials, that an aluminum 
cap could be used continuously for at least half a minute 
without any inconvenience; but by interrupting the cur- 
rent it can be used as long as desired. This cap has an 
opening to allow the escape of the rays of light, and also 
acts as reflector. The cap is so arranged that the aper- 
ture can be turned in any direction desired, so as to 
enable the observer to directly illuminate any part to be 
examined. The light is placed in position with the same 
movement as is used in introducing the rhinoscope, and 
when directly behind the arches the patient closes the 
mouth, holding the instrument firmly between the teeth. 
I have passed the'instrument in a number of cases in 
which the fauces were extremely sensitive, and I find 
that if it is passed in the manner described no difficulty in 
retaining the instrument is experienced. The observer, 
then, with the aid of the nasal speculum, can obtain a 
perfect view of the parts. The light can be turned on 
and off at will. This method will also, after a little 
practice, largely enable the observer to determine the 3 
condition of the accessory cavities and parts, especially 
the antrum of Highmore. The connecting wire will fit 
any of the many handles now furnished with the equally 
many batteries. The battery used with this light is the 
Edco storage-battery of sufficient power to light a six- 
volt lamp. The whole outfit weighs less than twenty 
pounds. 
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