The stethoscope was invented by Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec in 1816 and has become the symbol by which the modern physician is recognised. He chose the name from the Greek words for chest, stethos, and to inspect, skopeein. Direct auscultation placing the ear on the chest wall-had been known from ancient times but was little used. In Laennec's words: "Direct auscultation was as uncomfortable for the doctor as it was for the patient, disgust in itself making it impracticable in hospitals. It was hardly suitable where most women were concerned and, with some, the very size of their breasts was an obstacle to the employment of this method."