The Head Mirror: How This Otolaryngological Instrument Became the Symbol for Physicians

While history often leads us to understand how symbols arise, we can only postulate the cultural reasons why certain symbols persist. Perhaps it is the striking appearance, the visual humor, or the nostalgic aspect of the head mirror in combination with its historical significance that has been permanently etched into the image of the physician. While the everyday use of the head mirror has declined, its use in mainstream media is as pervasive as ever.