Anselme Recamier, 1774-1852, stated that merely palpating the cervix and vaginal walls was not sufficient and that inspection was required in order to arrive at a proper diagnosis.  His original form consisted of a tin cylinder with a smoothly polished surface which he presented before the Paris Academy of Medicine in 1816.  His design was a departure from all previous types of instruments described or portrayed by authors since the days of Soranos.   In 1801 he began the systematic use of a speculum of his own design, and after fifteen years of evaluation, convinced of its merit , he proclaimed it as the sine qua non in gynecologicexamination and practice.