title: Origins of the binocular head mirror: The mystery of Dr. Clar, clarified.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The origin of Dr. Clar's forehead mirror remains a mystery. The aim of this study is to track the roots of this eponym anew to find a definitive answer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Historical, notably by the analysis of the reports of medical meetings and the content of instrument trade catalogs of the corresponding epoch.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Konrad or Conrad Clar (1844-1904) was an Austrian balneologist and geologist particularly interested in laryngological examination. He notably invented a lighting apparatus in 1874, his famous forehead mirror in 1886, and a handgrip for laryngological instruments in 1901.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Konrad Clar is the man behind the eponymous Dr. Clar's mirror. This study allowed to definitively confirm this statement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Stanford University School of Medicine, 801 Welch Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA. Electronic address: AMudry@ohns.stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mudry
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Stanford University School of Medicine, 801 Welch Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Holsinger
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Stanford University School of Medicine, 801 Welch Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5739, USA.
authors.forename: Anaïs
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rameau
mesh_terms: D001317:Austria; D004850:Eponyms; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation
keywords: Clar; History; Methodology; Mirror; Otolaryngology