110 INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL. 



ing, which was once supposed to proceed from con- 

 vulsions in childhood, or other unknown causes. 

 The cure discovered is the cutting of the contract- 

 ed muscle, by means of which the eye falls imme- 

 diately into its proper place. This muscle lies un- 

 der the surface ; and, as it is necessary to pass through 

 a membrane of the eye, the cutting cannot be done 

 with a broadaxe or a handsaw. In fact, it requires 

 a knowledge of the anatomy of the eye, manual dex- 

 terity, fine instruments, and Mr. Catherwood and 

 myself for assistants. 



Our patient remained perfectly quiet, with his lit- 

 tle hands folded across his breast; but while the 

 knife was cutting through the muscle he gave one 

 groan, so piteous and heart-rending, that it sent into 

 the next room all who were not immediately enga- 

 ged. But before the sound of the groan had died 

 away the operation was over, and the boy rose with 

 his eye bleeding, but perfectly straight A bandage 

 was tied over it, and, with a few directions for its 

 treatment, amid the congratulations and praises of all 

 present, and wearing the same smile with which he 

 had entered, the little fellow walked off to his mother. 



The news of this wonder spread rapidly, and be- 

 fore night Dr. Cabot had numerous and pressing ap- 

 plications, among which was one from a gentleman 

 whom we were all desirous to oblige, and who had 

 this defect in both eyes. 



On his account we determined to postpone our 

 departure another day ; and, in furtherance of his 



