1840-41- INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. Up 



During the previous winter he had suffered a good deal 

 from rheumatism ; and in the hope of regaining strength, 

 he paid a visit in autumn to his brother in London. In his 

 first letter after leaving home, George says, " I have stood 

 my journey well; my general health and rheumatism are 

 improving, and I hope to continue making progress." This 

 hope was unfortunately not to be fulfilled, for almost 

 immediately on reaching London he suffered from severe 

 inflammation of one eye. The first doctor who visited him 

 advised simple remedies, and thus time was lost, and the 

 eyesight only saved by the use of the strongest measures. 

 A medical friend who happened to call was the first to 

 perceive the danger, and, being a skilful oculist, averted 

 the evil by most anxious care ; so that in eleven days he 

 was able to write home, and to say, " My eye is now better, 

 my general health much the same, and my rheumatism no 

 worse. Two doctors I have met here, reckoned skilful, 

 give promise of rapidly recovering strength, there being 

 nothing radically wrong with me ; at present, however, 

 progress is slow." Expressions of anxiety in home letters 

 lead to assurances a few days later : " So far as my eye is 

 concerned, believe I am honest when I say it is quite 

 better, at least only retains a little weakness, which obliges 

 me to avoid glaring lights or exposure to currents of air. 

 You will, therefore, understand that I am now quite out of 

 doctors' hands, and absolved from medicine, recommended 

 to good diet and care, but otherwise just as I was when I 

 left you. As to coming home, I shall not do so immedi- 

 ately ; it would not be safe, indeed, to travel at present, 

 from the risk of a return of my late inflammation. London 

 has not had a fair trial; but, at all events, I shall not 

 remain here long. The weather is extremely fine, and I 

 walk out in the afternoon when the sun is down, and I 



