370 ORD. XX. Personate. _ nvPaRASsIA OFFICINALIS. 
sidered almost in the character of a specific, the “ verum oculorum 
solamen.”—But as there cannot possibly be a general remedy for 
all diseases of the eyes, the absurd and indiscriminate recommen- 
dation of Euphrasia as such, must réceive but little credit from 
those who practice medicine on rational principles. It must be 
acknowledged however, that some authors have stated peculiar 
complaints of the eyes, in which the use of this plant was thought 
more remarkably evident; and, judging by these, we should say, 
that eyes weakened by a long continued exertion, and those that 
are dim and watery, as in a senile state, are the cases in which 
‘Euphrasia promises most advantage; nor are old people to despair, 
for according to Hildanus* and Lanzonus“ several, at the age of 
seventy and eighty years, were recovered almost from entire 
blindness. 
‘But though the great reputation which Eyebright formerly sup- 
ported for several ages, must have induced some practitioners of 
later days to have tried its opthalmic power ; yet we do not find a 
single instance of its efficacy recorded in modern times. How far 
this remark ought to invalidate the positive testimonies in its 
favour, we leave others to determine.“ 
The Icelanders are said to be in the constant - habit of using the 
juice of Euphrasia in all affections of the eyes.‘ 
In common with many other plants, the Euphrasia has also been 
recommended in the jaundice, 
* V. cent. epist. n. 59. 
bd Oper, Omn. ed. 1738, Tom. > pP- 394. 
The character of Euphrasia was not unknown to Milton: 
‘¢ then purged with euphrasy and rue, 
The visual nerve, for he had much to see, 
-* Bergius says, ‘‘ Ego ex propria experientia nihil certi de hac herba adhuc seie, 
sed tamen non spernenda arbitror testimonia priscorum.” 
: Eggert Olafsen, Reise; &c. vol. t. p. 423. 
