e declination of this distemper, the greatest care should be 
taken to prevent a relapse. The cold bath is then peculiarly ser- 
viceable, as is also the plentiful use of broth. Ante 
proper throughout the whole disease. 
=. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 
a 
- 
This disease may be occasioned by external injuries; as blows, 
burns; bruises, and the like. It may likewise proceed from dust, 
quicklime, and_ other substances getting into the eyes. Itisoften 
caused by the stoppage of bora evacuations; as the he: 
ing up of old sores, drying up of issues, , Suppression of sweating of the 
ae en ‘Long ah to night air, especially. in cold 
winds, or whatever suddenly checks perspiration, is very apt to ocea- 
sion inflammation of the eyes. It is often occasioned by night watch- 
ing, reading by candle-light, excess in venery, and drinking spiri- 
tuous liquors; the acrid fumes of metals, and some kinds*of wood. 
Sometimes an inflammation of the,eyes proceeds from a venereal taint, 
and often from a gouty or scrofulous habit. It may likewise be oc- 
casioned by hairs of the eyelids turning inwards and irritating the _ 
eye. metimes the disease is epidemic, especially after wet sea- _ 
sons, and I have frequently known it to prove infectious, often — 
going through a whole family ; this description is very prevalent in 
some parts of the western states. Safiemmmpsionniod lbp e722: otem, 
s—eet the small pox or measles. 
iienreenaAKi inflammation of the eyes is ; abanded “ane 
pain, heat, redness, and swelling.. The patient is not able to bear 
the light, and sometimes he feels a pricking pain, as if his eyes were 
pierced with a thorn. Sometimes he imagines his eyes are full of 
_ motes, or thinks he sees flies dancing before him. The eyes are 
filled with a scalding rheum, which rushes forth in great quantities 
whenever the patient attempts to look up. Thepulse is, generally 
and hard, with some degree of fever. 
A slight inflammation of the eyes, especially from an external . 
cause, is easily cured ; but when the disease is violent and continues 
long, it often leaves specks upédn the eyes, ordimness of sight, and 
sometimes total blindness. 
If the patient be seized with a looseness, it has a good effect; and 
when the inflammation passes from one eye to the other it isno unfa- 
vorable symp: 3 
Curr.—If the Talleneen proceed from a scrofulous or vene- 
real taint, or any vitiation of the humors, the blood must first be 
cleansed with the “ anti-mercurial,” or similar purifying syrups. In 
‘this way the cause is removed. If there is great heat in the head, ~ 
cooling a applications should be made, as the “ anodyne wash; 
a erties In severe cases of inflammation, le 
: plied to the temples, or under the Palak or blood 
al: r vein, or frausithe arm._ 305 
