Regardless of the many sophisticated and innovative modifications to the vaginal speculum, adequate illumination of the vagina was essential and problematic.  Prior to the advent of incandescent lighting the gynecologist relied on specially designed reflectors with candles that were hand-held, attached to the speculum or mounted to a table or chair seat with a clamp provided with a telescoping arm, to illuminate the vaginal canal. Few examples of these once essential devices can be found today.