The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-04-21
Alistrllollcou5.

TIE CARE OF THE EYEs.-Tntil one be-
gins to feel the effects of impaired vision, he
can hardly estimate the value of cycsight,
and consequently, from ignorance, or care
lessnesS, he is apt to neglect few simple
precautions, by the observance of which, his
sight might be preserved. We are aware
that the columns of a newspaper do NOT af-
ford the space, nor is an Gator qualified to
treat scientifically of the injuries which ac-
cruc to the organs of vision; but certainly
the knights of the sanctllm ought to have
some practical experience upon artificial light
more of which they consume than falls to
the lot of other men.
Let us then give our readers few hints
upon the preservation of sight, which we de-
ducc from our own experience, ami if we are
incorrect, our medical friends, and particu-
larly opticians, are welcome to our columns,
to correct our errors. We are not about to
interfere with those who have resortcd to
Spcctaclcs, for the optician alone can benefit
them; but there are multitudcs, who, per-
haps, ought to wear spectacles, but will not
either from their Inconvenience or from an
idea that thereby they confess that time has
taken too strong hold upon them. Such ask,
whether they can sec better than they now
do without the use Of glasses? To the most
of these we answer, yes-provided you will
follow these simple directions First, never
use writing desk or table with your face
towards 4 window. In such a case, the rays
Of light come directly upon the pupil Of the
eyes, and causing an unnatural and forced
contraction thereof, soon permanently Injuries
the sight. NcXt-when your table OF desk
is near window, sit so that your face turns
from, not t0uards the window, while you are
writing. If your face is towards the win
dow, the oblique rays strike tho eye and in
iure it nearly as much as the direct rays
whc!5 you sit in front of the window. 1t is
best always to sit or stand while reading or
writing with the window behind you; and
next to that with the light coming over your
left side-then the light illumines the paper
or book and does not shine abruptly upon
the eye ball. ... =.
The same remarks are applicable to arti.
fetal light. We are often asked what is the
best light; gas. candles, oil or camphcnc.,-
Our answer is, it is immaterial which. pro-
vidtd' the light of either Be strong enough and
do not flicker. A gas fish tail burner should
never be used for reading or writing, because
there is constant oscillation of Pickering of
the flame. Candles, unless they have self.
consuming wicks, which do not require much
snuffing, should not be used. We need
scarcely say that oil wicks, which crust over
and thus diminish the light. are good for
nothing; and the same is true of compounds
of the nature of camphene, unless the wicks
are properly trimmed Of all their gnmary de-
post after standing twenty-four hours.
But whatever the artificial light used, let
it strike the paper or book which you are
using, whenever you can, from over the left
shoulder. This can always be done with
gas, for that light is strong enough, and so is
the light from camphene, oil, Sc, provided
it comes through circular burner like the
argand. But the light, whatevcrit be, should
always be protected from the air in the room
by glass chimney, so that the light may be
steady.-Boston Herald.