In January, 1834, I published the first edition of my work upon Veratria, and gave an account of two cases of amaurosis, combined with tic-douloureaux, cured by the external application of veratria. I there suggested that it was probable that amaurosis, uncombined with tic-douloureaux, might be removed by applications of a stimulating nature to the branches of the fifth pair of nerves. No notice of this suggestion having been taken by medical men, I determined to put the plan into execution, and employed a surgeon to carry it into effect in St. Giles's Workhouse, where blind cases were given me for that purpose. I here extract the case of Eleanor M'Cartney, for the purpose of showing the power of capsicum when rubbed upon the forehead and temples. I select this case of amaurosis for several reasons; she was the first patient on whom I tried the efficacy of capsicum. She had had, seven years previously, a stroke of palsy, which removed all power of the right side. The only power recovered was that of the right arm. The hearing was perfectly gone; and she had not had the least perception of sight for seven years. It is now nearly eight years since her recovery; and, at the present date (27th of Jan. 1843), she can read perfectly well; and has never had another application since the three first days. It will also satisfy the minds of many that a recovery by stimulating applications of this description, is not of a temporary nature.
I here quote the case as given in my work on "Painful and Nervous Diseases," page 131.
"Eleanor M'Cartney, aged 40, an inmate of St Giles's Workhouse, was attacked, seven years ago, with palsy of the right side, when perception of light and sound, in the right eye and ear, was extinguished. There was a constant and profuse flow of tears, and the pupil was immoveable.
"The treatment commenced on the 19th of October, 1835, and was continued for three days only. On the first day after the commencement of the treatment there was a great abatement of the flow of tears, and she could perceive light and light-coloured objects. On the second day she could see a watch, and direct her hand to it, and distinguish the palm from the back of the hand. On the third day she could distinguish objects with great facility. There was no further application of the remedy after the third day. On the fifth day she could read a duodecimo prayer-book with ease. On the seventh day the flow of tears ceased, the pupil moved readily, and her sight and hearing were perfect. She is still an inmate of the workhouse, and may be seen on application to the matron, Mrs. Bailey."
A. Cruikshank
The next case which I select from the same work is that of Alexander Cruikshanks, Esq., of Strathcathro Castle, Forfarshire. When this case came under my care he was undergoing the necessary preparation for an operation for cataract. The peculiar difference in the removal of cataract without operation is, that the person afterwards needs no cataract glasses, as will be seen from the extracts of two of Mr. Cruikshank's letters to the author. It is now seven years since his recovery, and he is at the present date perfectly well.
"March 8th, 1836.—My right eye was affected with dimness, or defect of vision, so long ago as the year 1810, and commenced by the deceptious effect of seeing two objects distinctly where there really was but one. This deception of double vision gradually disappeared as the vision of the eye became imperfect. The other eye was not affected until about four or five years ago. The affection of this, like the other, commenced and continued, with the double vision, until Dr. Turnbull's remedy was continued six weeks, when it totally disappeared. The right eye, by this time, was restored to such a healthy state, that I could read 'Blackwood's Magazine,' or the leading article of a newspaper, without glasses, and the smallest print with them. By the way, it may be proper to mention that it was not till July last, 1835, that I ascertained, beyond question, the nature of the complaint with which I was affected. In that month I applied to an eminent oculist, who, after two examinations, informed me the complaint was cataract."