An endoscope configured in such a manner that, without unnecessarily moving the entire endoscope while the endoscope is inserted in a human body, the user can easily switch between forward observation and rearward observation, thereby the user can use the endoscope with increased safety and can perform improved visual determination in the use of the endoscope. An endoscope (1) is configured in such a manner that the insertion section (10) thereof which incorporates the endoscope body (20) so that the endoscope body (20) can be moved in the front-rear direction has: a forward illuminating means (11) a transparent section (12) a rearward observing mirror (13) disposed within the transparent section (12) and electrode contacts (14, 15) disposed so as to face the inside of the insertion section (10). The endoscope body (20) is provided with: an objective lens provided to the front end thereof a rearward illuminating means (21) electrode contacts (22, 23, 24) disposed on the outer surface of the endoscope body (20) and an electric power source (V) for supplying electric power to the forward illuminating means (11) and the rearward illuminating means (21). In forward observation, the electrode contacts (14, 15) disposed at the insertion section (10) and the electrode contacts (22, 24) disposed at the endoscope body (20) are connected so that the electric power is supplied to the forward illuminating means (11) from the electric power source (V). In rearward observation, the electrode contacts are connected so that the electric power is supplied to the rearward illuminating means (21) from the electric power source (V).Linvention porte sur un endoscope configuré dune manière telle que, sans déplacement non nécessaire de tout lendoscope lorsque lendoscope est introduit dans un corps humain, lutilisateur peut facilement commuter entre une observation vers lavant et une observation vers larrière, permettant ainsi à lutilisateur dutiliser lendoscope avec une sécurité accrue et
