Intra-Oral Stereoscope and Diagnostic Lamp

Circa 1930s

The switch at the base gives 5 levels of brightness to the lamp that sits behind the focusing screen. The concept of stereoscopic viewing in dentistry was introduced in 1898 by W.S. Hedley who published an article called “Radiostereoscopy.” 

Ritter’s instruction publication described the product as follows: 

“The plane radiograph gives two dimensions, length and breadth. The third dimension is made possible by simultaneously viewing two films which have been exposed from slightly different angles representing the pupillary distance so that the fusion or blending of those two films in the Ritter Stereoscope produces upon the eye the impression of relief or depth, known as the third dimension.

The stereoscope is a bi-focal optical instrument equipped with decentered prism lenses that may be adjusted to the most critical eyes. With the aid of these adjustments and control of light the films are blended into one image, a procedure which is in reality a simple means to accomplish the registration of depth or third dimension.”