Page-Turner for "Scrub" Reading

Abstract

To the Editor:— The average surgeon spends two hours or more scrub every week. Although such a period is often an interlude of relaxation or socialization at the sink, this not inconsiderable amount of time can be put to good use in keeping abreast of professional literature. The problem of how to turn pages without contaminating the hands is easily solved through the use of the device here illustrated (Figure). This head-operated pageturner is constructed from the headpiece of an obstetric stethoscope to which a thin metal rod tipped with a rubber pencil eraser for friction has been attached. Reading material is held by a stenographer's notebook stand. A little practice will enable the operator to turn pages with facility and give several hours' extra time a week to delinquent journal reading. This is feasible only if one's colleagues allow the necessary privacy, which, I must admit, is not