The anatomy of human bodies, comprehending the most modern discoveries and curiosities in that art to which is added a particular treatise of the small-pox & measles : together with several practical observations and experienced cures ... / written in Latin by Ijsbrand de Diemerbroeck ... ; translated from the last and most correct and full edition of the same, by William Salmon ...

HISTORY XVI.

IN October two Sons of N. Romburch a Vintner, were taken with a Fever. The next day the Parents gave to each half a dram of Treacle, which caused a moderate Sweat; and for Drink they gave them the simple Decoction of Figs in small Ale. The third day some Red Spots appeared; and afterwards the Small Pox came out very thick over the whole Body and many also seized the Eye∣lids. Then my Advice was desired. Now because the Children were Indifferent well, proportionably to the time of the Disease, I did not think it necessary to prescribe any Physic, only I ordered the Parents, to wash the Eye-lids three or four times a day with a soft Spunge dipt in a Decoction of Althea, Flowers of Melilot, Roses and Fenigreek, and to open the Eye-lids with their Fingers once or twice a day, to let out the Humour gathered underneath: But the Parents neglected that Advice, foolishly tender, and fearing to hurt their Children by handling their Eylids. Upon the fourteenth day the Pox being ripe, the Swelling of the Eye-lids fell, and the Eyes open'd; but it was observed that both the Boys were perfectly Blind, and that there was a Skin grown over the Sight and the Iris, which Skin was generated out of the Humour, so many days detained within the Eye, and became viscous, and now covered the whole Eye like a veil. This unexpected accident greived the Parents; there∣upon I prescribed the following Powder.

℞. The whitest Sugar-Candy ʒij. Lapis Calaminaris ℈j. make a very fine Powder.

This I caused to be blown into their Eyes through a hollow Quill: and the slight pain which it caused, quickning the motion of the Eye-lids, those little Films were in a short time rubbed off, and washed away, by the Tears that dropt from the Eye; by which means the Boys were cured of that Impediment.

ANNOTATIONS.

THis we have often happen'd to see in Practice, that by reason of the Eye-lids being swell'd and shut up by the Small Pox, littles Films have grown in the Eyes, but we have easily rubb'd them off with this Powder, because they only stick to the outside of the Sight of the Eye; if it be presently us'd at the beginning, when the swelling falls, and the Eyes begin to open; but if you stay till they are dry'd and hardned by the External Air, then they will not easily give way to so slight a Remedy, but sharp Medicines must be us'd; and the mischief is to be remov'd with more trouble and pain. Two things are there∣fore

to observ'd. 1. That the swell'd Eye-lids, let the Patient be never so un∣willing, must be parted one from the other with the Fingers; and free Egress given to the Liquor contained in the Eye. 2. That if those Films are grown▪ that their Cure be not delayed, but that care be immediately taken to remove them before they are harden'd by the external Air.