116 SUROERY. 



ral health be improved. A dose of calomel and rhubarb should be 

 followed by tonics and alkalies, and other general remedies for 

 scrofula, such as quinine and salt baths. The nitrate of silver exer- 

 cises a more sedative and antiphlogistic influence than any other 

 local remedy. 



Grmiular Conjunctivitis is a thick, rough, fleshy state of the 

 palpebral conjunctiva, dependent upon long-continued inflammation ; 

 it causes great pain and disturbance to the motion of the eye. and if 

 it continues will render the cornea opaque by its friction. 



Treatment. — If the granulations are long, they may be removed 

 by the knife or scissors ; ordinarily they can be cured by scarifica- 

 tion, lunar caustic, and sulphate of copper; at the same time the gene- 

 ral health must be attended to, and blisters may be applied behind 

 the ears. 



ULCER OF THE CORNEA. 



This most frequently occurs as a result of conjunctivitis, espe- 

 cially of the scrofulous form, but may arise from mechanical injury ; 

 it often penetrates the cornea and leaves an opaque cicatrice. When 

 the ulcer is healthy^ its surface is somewhat opaque, owing to the 

 effusion of lymph ; when inflamed, vessels will be found approach- 

 ing it ; when indolent, it is clear, and transparent, appearing as if 

 a small piece had been cut out of the cornea. The nitrate of 

 silver is the best application to the inflamed and indolent ulcer of 

 the cornea. If the acetate of lead be used, a white precipitate is 

 formed, which is liable to become fixed in the cicatrice as a dead 

 white spot. 



SCLEROTITIS. 



This disease is often called rheumatic ophthalmia. It is known by 

 redness of the sclerotica, slight intolerance of light, severe aching 

 pain of the eye, and the bone surrounding it, which is aggravated at 

 night. It is distinguished from conjunctivitis by the character of the 

 pain, and redness. In sclerotitis the vessels are deep-seated, of a 

 pale pink colour, and run in straight lines from the circumference of 

 the eye, towards the cornea ; whereas in conjunctivitis, ihe vessels are 

 tortuous, freely anastomose, superficial, and are of a bright red co- 

 lour. 



Treatment, — Bleeding, purging, together with the administration 

 of colchicum, warm baths, and anodyne fomentations ; blisters behind 

 the ears, and Dover's powder, are also of great avail. 



IRITIS. 



This often is caused by injury or cold, but oftener by scrofulous, 

 syphilitic, or gouty taint. 



Syrn/ptoms. — The iris changes in colour; appears rough or villous ; 



