Probe

(prob) [probare, to test]. A slender, flexible rod for exploring a channel. P., Anel’s, a delicate probe for exploring or dilating the lacrimal puncta and lacrimal canals. P., Blunt, one with a blunt extremity. P., Bowman’s, one of a series of graduated probes used for dilating the nasal duct. P., Drum-, one provided with a drum or reverberator to enable the ear to detect contact with foreign bodies. P., Electric, one having two insulated wires, so that contact with a bullet or metal completes the circuit, and thus indicates the presence of such a foreign body. P., Eyed, a probe having a slit at one end through which a tape or ligature can be pa ed. P., Lacrimal, one used for dilating the lacrimal pa ages. P., Meerschaum-, a probe, the end of which is tipped with meerschaum, which becomes streaked with the lead by contact with a bullet. P., Nelaton’s, one that is capped with unglazed porcelain upon which a leaden ball makes a metallic streak. P., Vertebrated, one made of small links so jointed together that it is very flexible. 523