Abstract: A device for holding surgical instruments so that they can be positioned at any desired orientation with respect to an operating table. The holding device comprises a sterilizable instrument holding hook which is detachably connected to one of a pair of pivotally connected, movable arms which have the other movable arm connected to a rotatable mounting means for mounting the device on the operating table. Brake or clutch means are interposed between the arms and between one arm and the mounting means for controlling the movement of the arms with respect to each other and with respect to the operating table.