Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-06-09
BlON.
Abridged for the Massachusetts, Journal.
ON TIL. EYE.
OfMe Morbid SsnaJihty efthe Rstina

Ofhe Morbid SsnsiJiEty efthe Retina.
In some people the eyes acquire morbid
sensibility 20 light, where there Is no reason TO
suppose that the etina is inflame6.
This is very rema, kabe in those people who
sshs
light of dav, whil", AZ tne same time, they can
di, inguish objects in an almost incogceiSable
obscuriy v.
Buffon relates a remarkable instance Of an
officer who WIS thrown int a dak dungeon,
where tht ligh, never entered, and with no
opening bu, hole at the top, which was all
ways kent close, cxce1t when opened by the
keeper 10 put down provisions. After remain
ing in il some weeks, the unfortunate man be-
gan TO think he saw some little glimmeriRg Of
light. This internal dawn seerped 10 increase
from time 10 time, so tha, he not only began TO
discover the parts Of his bed.and other large
obj"c,s, but at length could perceive the mi ce
that frequeated his cell. After some months
confinement he was set free; but such was the
effect of the darkness upon his eyes, that he
could not, for some days, venture TO leave his
dungeon, and was Obliged To accustom binself
by degrees to endure the liz hit Of day.
Instances have also been narrated, and with
every probability Of ruth. of prisoners who had
been Tor many years confined in dungeons, ha.vs
ing been found altoee her blind when ,h,.y we're
was said 10 have happened TO those who were
Eeased from The Bastile, when that prison was
de,royedss
This morbid sensibiiIy 10 ligh, is, in less
err degree, sxemplhed by the improper use Of
shades & Coverings to the eyes. |, often hap.
pens IT, at people wear shade ID relieve dis
eases OF the eye, which are not at ended with
increased sensibility TO light; but this, finally,
takes place, and can always be relieved ny graf
ua1y exposing me eye 70 lhs Ny3lwasy tight oC
day.
In like manner, as vision becomes impai,r I'd
BY the exclusion OF the eyes from light, so any
inordinate exposure produces an increased sen.
sibilty in these organs The Inhabitants Of
those Northern regions which are constantly
covered with snow, keep their tyelids nearly
closed, and do not see distinctly during the day
To prevent their eyes e. ON beng injured, and
to enable them 10 see more dis inctiy, these
people wear an insuums mt consisting of hin
& light piece Of God, which covers both eyes,
and in which there is a long, but narrow hori-
2ontal slit or chink, opposite to each eve. 3y
this ingenious contrivance, The eyes are guard.
ed from al la,eras& dazzling Gsh, whilst he
chink is sufficiently wide % allow OF pretty
extensive range OF vision on the SUFFICE on the
earth.
Travellers on the no. and sandy plains Of AZ
RIGA, lind their vision equally injured, as thosr
who live IN counries covered with SNOW; aud
, they are In the habit Of wearing piece Of ack
Grape before their eyes, TO diminish the guam,
~ of light as well to pre,en, the particles of
sand falling into the eyes.
The Inhabitants Of some Of the Eastern
countries where the sun shines with dax
zling splendor, have practice which enables
them 10 see more clearly, whilst, at the same
time. it beauties the counleuance, by pi,inp
brilliancy TO the eye>bail. a black pigueui,
eomposed Of finely levigaed-oxide Of anti mo-
ny, mixed with oil, is spread over the edge of
the eye!ids and roots of The ellie and renewed
as occasion requires,
Various other causes render, the eyes suscep>