Many anorectal disorders are present immediately above and below the anorectal or pectinate line, yet, because of inadequate illumination and the use of the ordinary conical speculums, thorough examination is often difficult and most unsatisfactory. But good illumination and inspection of the diseased area are essential in making a correct diagnosis. The treatment of many lesions at this site are office or clinic procedures, but not infrequently a nurse or an assistant is not at hand, which necessitates removal of the patient to the hospital. For this reason a self-retaining device is a helpful adjunct. With the patient in the left lateral, or Sims, position, this procedure may be accomplished by means of the illuminated anoscope shown in the illustration. The instrument is self retaining and may be easily introduced after the anus has been smeared with a water-soluble lubricant. The light, located in the head of the detachable handle,