retrospectoscope

Etymology
From.

Noun

 * 1)  A hypothetical instrument that allows diagnostic and management decisions to be made with medical hindsight.
 * 2) * 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.
 * 1) * 2002, Jane Poulson, The Doctor Will Not See You Now, Novalis Press (CN)
 * I have also had to learn that just as the lens of the retrospectoscope provides false clarity, the lens of unbridled optimism distorts reality.
 * 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.
 * 1) * 2002, Jane Poulson, The Doctor Will Not See You Now, Novalis Press (CN)
 * I have also had to learn that just as the lens of the retrospectoscope provides false clarity, the lens of unbridled optimism distorts reality.
 * I have also had to learn that just as the lens of the retrospectoscope provides false clarity, the lens of unbridled optimism distorts reality.

Coordinate terms

 * prospectoscope