The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-12-17

VIRGINIA MEDICAL MoNTHLT.-The De-
cember No. of this magazine Is before us.
DR.. EDWARDS well maintains the spirit and
interest of his valuable publication. The
papers on medical science and discoveries are
very interesting. We find amongst matters
OF general interest in the Monthly a brief
notice of pamphlet by DR.. NJ. NJ. GRIFFIN,
of Parsons, Penn, on the subject OF ''Cor-
pulence Treated by Sea-Weed." In addi-
ton to the system Of Chanting" Selection
of articles of food non fattening in their cha
racter) DR.. GRIFFIN advocates the use OF sea-
weed-.fecus vesicuEosus. or bladder-wrack,
sea-wrack, &C., belonging to the cryptic
gamia alge in the sexual system, as effica-
cious. DR.. DUNGLIssoN, in his medical die
tionary, says its efficacy depends on the
iodine it contains. 1t may be taken in fluid
extract or pills-for which apply to the
Doctor for directions. When this theory
OF DR.. GRIFFIN is spread about there will
probably be demand for sea-weed.
Another subject of interest noticed by the
MONTHLY is as to the effect Of modem educa-
ton upon the form Of the eye. producing
near-sightedness. An essay Of DR.. LoRING,
Of New York, is quoted for the statement
that larger proportion OF those living IN
cities were near-sighted than Of those living
in the country districts. In savage nations
near-sightedness is very infrequent, and it
would seem, in some respects, that it was
the result OF education. In Germany the
Lilo ohnyx n
of myopia, while such proportion was not
found to exist amongst those artisans who
used their eyes on fine objects-as watch
makers and wood-engrayers. In England,
where there is great intellectual activity,
there is by no means as large ratio OF
myopia as in Germany, and it was neces-
sary to seek for other factors to explain the
prevalence of myopia. Impaired nourish-
ment, imperfect ventilation, tended to pro-
duce laxity OF the tissues, including the
coats of the eye-ball, and with the tension
which resulted from close application Of the
sight there was q great probability OF
frightening of the eye. or myopia, result
ing. From close analysis Of myopic cases
il was found that between the ages OF ten
and fifteen the aiority developed; in other
words, at that time the tissues of the globe
were readily affected BY a strain OF the
muscles Of the eye. 1t was from this easily
understood why the industrial classes were
40 little liable to near-sightedness, for they
seldom reached the practice Of the more in
tricate branches Of their trade before their
eighteenth year. DR.. LoRING is under the
impression that with proper precautions the
normal eye could be continued indefinitely.
If children were not allowed to apply them
selves too closely to their studies between
their eighth and their sixteenth year, and
were allowed the proper amount Of out
door exercise, not much danger need be
dreaded. It was important also to have
schools properly ventilated, and other hygi-
enic conditions made as perfect as possible.
Wecopy these observations with pleasure.
They are practical, and have direct bear
ing upon health as well as the eyesight.
We earnestly commend the Medical
MOutbLu to the Faculty,