[16] Nor is this to be wondered at, considering how few Oculists, if any, are acquainted with Optics; a Science, however, absolutely necessary to investigate the Causes of Defects in Vision. Nay, since curing the Diseases of the Eye became a peculiar Branch of the Medical Art, it is wholly left to Operators, who in general do not know the Functions of the several Parts which constitute the Organ of Seeing, but are even ignorant of its Structure.
[17] This Disease is more common than one would readily imagine, since it is a predominant Custom, both among Surgeons and Physicians, to prescribe Mercury in almost every Case. And I dare assert, that out of Ten Patients whom they give out as afflicted with a Gutta Serena, Seven are affected with an accidental Presbytopia.
[18] Such is the Reason why Mercury, when taken, does not excite a Salivation immediately.
[19] It is well known that not only Arteries, but Veins, are susceptible of Irritability.
[20] On this Membrane is the Image of Objects painted.
[21] As ocular Muscles are seldom swelled, or all equally so at the same Time, the taking of Mercurial Preparations neither does affect the Sight of every Individual, nor equally both Eyes of the same Individual.
[22] I confine myself to the Indication of general Remedies, without entering into Particulars: as to the judicious Physician, it is left to select such as most agree with the Patient’s Constitution.
[23] I confine myself to the Indication of general Remedies, without entering into Particulars: as to the judicious Physician, it is left to select such as most agree with the Patient’s Constitution.
[24] It is a material Point to know when Recourse to Electricity is to be had; for, if unseasonably employed, it only proves hurtful.
[25] As lasting Swelling, or Tension, is ever followed by a proportionate Relaxation, the ocular Muscles cannot suddenly recover their former Strength, so as to give the Eye a proper Figure to see clearly at various Distances.