Spec"u*list (?), n. One who observes or considers; an observer. [R.]
Goldsmith.
Spec"u*lum (?), n.; pl. L. Specula (#), E. Speculum (#). [L., fr.
specere to look, behold. See Spy.] 1. A mirror, or looking-glass;
especially, a metal mirror, as in Greek and Roman archæology.
2. A reflector of polished metal, especially one used in reflecting
telescopes. See Speculum metal, below.
3. (Surg.) An instrument for dilating certain passages of the body, and
throwing light within them, thus facilitating examination or surgical
operations.
4. (Zoöl.) A bright and lustrous patch of color found on the wings of
ducks and some other birds. It is usually situated on the distal
portions of the secondary quills, and is much more brilliant in the
adult male than in the female.
Speculum metal, a hard, brittle alloy used for making the reflectors of
telescopes and other instruments, usually consisting of copper and tin
in various proportions, one of the best being that in which there are
126.4 parts of copper to 58.9 parts of tin, with sometimes a small
proportion of arsenic, antimony, or zinc added to improve the
whiteness.
Sped (?), imp. & p. p. of Speed.