( 54 ) 
y.. Some Thoughts on the Operation of the Fiftula 
lacrymalis. By Francis-Jofeph Hunauld, 
M 2). K % S. Regius Brofejfor of Ana- 
tomy and Surgery , and Member of the Royal 
Academy ol Sciences at Paris. Commu- 
nicated to the Royal Society in a Letter to 
Tho. Stack, M D. 
I Omit givingthe Hiftory of the Fijlula lacrymalis , 
of the different Species of the Diftemper, or the 
various Methods of treating it, as Things fufficient- 
ly known ; and fliall only remark, that the Intention 
In deftroying the Os unguis , and Saccus lacrymalis , 
through which the Tears naturally deftil into the 
Nofe, is to procure them a new Paflage thither, by 
the Hole thus artificially made. Wherefore, in or- 
der to keep the Sides of this Hole afunder, to pre- 
vent its filling up, and render the Flelh, which forms 
its Circumference, hard, and as it were callous, a 
Tent made of prepared Sponge, &c. is put into 
this new Paflage, and is continued therein a Month 
or two. However, this Precaution, notwithftand- 
ing it happens but too often, that the Tears, in- 
ftead of keeping the Road prepared for them with 
fuch Care, flow over the lower Eye-lid, as before 
the Operation, and occafion a Weeping, which is 
now become pad Remedy. 
’Tis eafy to prove, that thofe very Means, which 
are ufed after the Operation to make the Tears 
deftil into the Nofe, are generally the Caufe of the 
fub- 
