Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-08-09

Inc following hlnts which we copy from the
Boston Daily!Advertiser, may be Of service to
young and old:
The last number of the Biblical Repository
contains long and Interesting article, written
By DR.. Edward Reynolds Of this city, entitled
Hints to Students on the Use Of the Eyes. We
are prevented, by the length of this article from
transferring il to our columns: but, as some Of
the suggestions contained in it are at variance
with the notions commonly entertained upon the
subject i, may crafty our readers to know the
results to which the experience of DR.. Reynolds,
has led him unaccompanied by his full and va.
rious illustrations. The present period is mark.
ed by an unusual prevalence Of diseases Of the
eve; and it is generally believed that studious
course OF life has an almost necessary tendency
to produce them. This is declared by DR.. Rey.
nOids to be a mistake; these diseases arise, not
from the proper, but from the extravasant use Of
the organ; in other words, from the abuse Of it, in
many instance, unconsciously. One of the most
common and least suspected causes of weakness
Of sight, is the exposure of the eye to the fire.
quent alterations of weak and strong light. In
order 10 avoid this, the eye should never be expos
cd suddenly to strong light, on awakening from
sleep; the apartment selected for study should
be well lighted, as we'll by day as in the evening,
aud no person. who devOtes the evening to study
should be previously sit for any time 10 darkness,
with the mistaken view Of giving rest to his eyes.
In reading and writing the eye should have
that moderate degree Of light which produces
distinct vision, unattended by any unpleasant
sensation; the light Of the room should be as
equally distributed as possible; but not reflected
nor concentrated The danger Of the exposure
of the eyes to highly concentrated light is shown
by reference to two cases Of Incurabe blindness,
in individuals who, watched the progress of the
late solar eclipse with the naked eye. AS re.
spects the quantity Of light best adapted to even
ing study, DR.. Reynolds, recommends the use OF
the common argand study lamp without the dark
shade. If any shade be used, one Of oiled paper
is preferable to the usual one Of ground glass, the
light produced by which is too concentrated.-
The practice Of wearing shade before the eyes
in reading by cand!e-light is pernicious, because
bv keeping them in an unnatural state OF dark
ness it exposes tem to the evils arising from the
sudden change from weak light to strong one,
but this habit is less perncous than that OF read
ing and writing by twilight.
Gazing at the moon for a considerable time, or
at the lightning, is highly injurious Reading and
writing by side light, should also be avoided; the
best light is that which is sufficient tor distinct vi
sion, and which falls over the left shoulder, in an
oblique direction from above. on the book or study
table. Among the evil habits arising from neg
iect of these precautions are those Of sitting with
the back to the window, and holding the book or
paper before the eyes, and holding candle be-
tween the eye and the book. DR.. Reynolds also
observes, on the subject Of light, that the brim
of the hat, in summer, should be Questionable
sh to protect the eye from the direct rays Of
the burning sun.
| The morning is the season OF the day, when
the eyes can best endure severe labor; but it Is
uuwIse to 80 Immediately iron the bed to the
study table. Much use Of them after full meal
should be avoided; as we'll as all labor or study,
which strains the eyes, when the body is in hea-
ted condition. The straining OF the eyes by arti.
Ecai evening Lights pernlcious. When the stu
den, Is obliged to use them much BY candlelighi,
be should select such reading or study. as is not
necessarily connected with great mental effort
Writing, when it is not attended with much in.
tellectua exerion, is preferable to reading. A.
mong the preservatives Of the sight, the enjoy
ment Of free, pure air,-daily, and regular ex-
erclse-the arrangement of the dress so as not
to interfere with the freedom Of the circulation
strict temperance-a proper quantity Of sleep
and sufficient amount Of use or action Of the
eyes-are enumerated as the most important. -
When the signs Of an improper use Of them
are experienced, they should be allowed sea-
son of repose which is better accomplished by a
change, than cessation Of labor. Simple wash.
ing with the hand in cold water, ID. in general,
the best means Of Strengthening the eyes. There
are some prevalent habits among studlous
men, by which they are very apt to be injured
Among them. is the practice Of rubbing them,
on awaken ing from sIeep-the exposure Of
them 10 strong currents Of wind-of reading
when the body is in a recumbent position-ef US.
ing them too early after the system has been at.
feeted by severe disease-of employing them in
the examination of very minute objects-oi
using tobacco, which affects the nerve Of the eye,
as we'll as other parts Of the nervous system
and of habliually wearing green glasses, which in.
crease the weakness they are intended to relieve.
The use of eye waters should be avoided, or
at least of any stronger than good river water.
There are some other subjects. treated in this
article, among which are the signs which deter
mine the time when the use Of spectacles is at
tended with advantage, aud an examination OF
A.. -...ton ~hather the CSreek and Hchre q