PATHOLOGY. 115 



structed, and it loses its natural transparency. 

 This is what is commonly called specks or film, 

 which obstructs the sight, and sometimes produces 

 total blindnefso 



We often find this complicated disease very dif- 

 ficult to remove ; for if we apply stimulants to re- 

 move the obstruction, by promoting absorption, 

 which is the only method of curing the eye, we 

 often increase the inflammation of the eye-lids to 

 a great degree ; and if sedatives be used to remove 

 the inflammation of the eye-lids, we are in immi- 

 nent danger of making the obstruction permanent, 

 by lefsening the action of the small vefsels, and 

 the obstructed matter, by that means, becoming 

 fixed. 



The following method, in this complicated case, 

 we have often found to answer every intention of 

 cure: 



Let two quarts of blood be immediately taken 

 away; then let a gentle dose of physic be 

 given, and let the eye, and parts about it, be 

 fomented six or eight times a day, for three or 

 four days, with warm water. This will in a great 

 degree remove the inflammation of the eye-lids ; 

 after which let the following stimulating mixture 



H2 



