“The value of the uterine sound cannot be over-estimated when used merely for purposes of diagnosis, whatever may be said of it as a redressor.  If we are not able to determine the position, size and relations of the uterus by touch alone, the sound is infallible in giving us its depth and direction…For this purpose I have made it of virgin silver or of annealed copper, silvered.”  Marion Sims - Uterine Surgery - 1858, fig.39-40.