EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 
31S 
Pforophthalmia, 
It is remarked that in Egypt, but particularly in Kahira, the 
blind, and thofe who have deffedtive vifion, bear a large pro- 
portion to the number of the inhabitants. The fad; obferved, 
which cannot be difputed, has been explained in various ways. 
It has by fome been confidered as proceeding from the habitual 
ufe of rice. By others, as the effed: of the fubtle duft which 
floats in the air. Even the water of the Nile has been fuppofed 
to co-operate at leaft, if not to be the fole agent, in producing 
this remarkable difeafe. 
To explore the origin of this or any other malady, all its ap- 
pearances muft firft be accurately noted. The ophthalmia of 
Egypt leads us through a diverfity of fymptoms, from flight in- 
flammation and defluxion, to the total and irrecoverable blind- 
nefs occafioned by opacity of the Cornea. To enumerate them 
all corredly, and compare them in a variety of cafes, muft be 
the tafli of an oculift long refident on the fpot, and accuftomed 
to numerous patients. A tranfient obferver, however diligent 
in his inquiries, may more eafily prove the falfehood of the 
aflBgned caufes, than trace the real one. 
The Nile water, it may be fuppofed, when taken into the fto- 
mach, can have no effed on the eyes, but by firft altering the 
ftate of the fluids, into which it, as well as other aliments, is 
gradually converted. Whether from mineral or vegetable im- 
pregnations, it could never operate folely on the eyes, v.'ithout 
s s 2 affeding 
