retrospectoscope

plural retrospectoscopes · alternative retrospectroscope

1. humorousslangA hypothetical instrument that allows diagnostic and management decisions to be made with medical hindsight.

   The view through the retrospectoscope is almost always clear, precise, and correct.

   1983, Bernard N. Nathanson, The abortion papers: inside the abortion mentality, →ISBN

   5 more examples

   A distinguished private foundation, that shall be nameless, offered me a small grant if l would test out their crystal ball with its two new attachments; one of them called the retrospectoscope and the other called the prognosticator.

   1972, American Veterinary Medical Association. Council on Education, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, University of Athens. School of Veterinary Medicine, Learning experiences: proceedings

   Once we are proficient in using both the retrospectoscope and the prospectoscope, we are ready to use the perspectoscope—the scope that all patients deserve.

   1991, Herbert L. Fred, Say Aah (hah)!: A Medical Educator Mouths Off

   1994, Virginia L. Miller, Molecular Genetics of Bacterial Pathogenesis: A Tribute to Stanley Falkow, Amer Society for Microbiology The retrospectoscope is a marvelous instrument, particularly if it is supplied with rose-colored lenses. I cannot pretend to reconstruct objectively the events that affected my career.

   Using the famous "retrospectoscope" technique, in which events of the past can be brought into sharper focus, one can sometimes identify the fear-inducing stimulus quite accurately in time and space.

   2000, Nicholas H. Dodman, Dogs Behaving Badly: An A-Z Guide to Understanding and Curing Behavorial Problems in Dogs, Bantam, →ISBN

   I have also had to learn that just as the lens of the retrospectoscope provides false clarity, the lens of unbridled optimism distorts reality.

   2002, Jane Poulson, The Doctor Will Not See You Now, Novalis Press (CN)