The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-17
CARROTS FOR CATARACT

CARROTS FOR CATARACT
 Every little while some one asks bluntly whether I don't make up the questions and answers printed in this column. This question ap- plies particularly to the odd queries sometimes select to answer here. To tell the truth-a novel experi- ence for doctor-I do edit most of the questions, and I take pains to alter minor points so that no one can possibly guess the source of the inquiry. Still in truth dare not print the strangest queries-these I answer only by private letter. I do select for printing certain ques- tions which seem instructive even if. only to show the multiformity of popular ideas about health and dis ease; and letters which I believe may do good but will not do harm, [ such as this: ,r.'f
 Dear Dr. Brady:
 Some one inquired about a cure for cataract. I was victim of the ailment and didn't see thing for four years. was treated by spec ialists in Germany, France and dif- ferent cities abroad, without bene- fit. My grandmother cured me at home just poulticing my eyes with fresh raw grated carrot Also a wash solution made of German Chamomile Flowers. I was also kept on the strict diet. When was six years old I could see again and never had any more trouble can see well, sew a great deal and am very fond of reading and do plenty of it. l am B years old. also drive the car for my husband a lot. I have never worn glasses. (J. Ic. M
 The letter is written in peculiar script with many idioms difficult to interpret accurately, and unfor- tunately the correspondent did not give her address, so I am unable to obtain further information about the matter.
 Sometimes I think there should be a law--well, too many people naive ly omit to give their name or ad- dress or omit equally important things when writing letter to which they expect a reply! Toe many, use such meaningless terms as Local" or City" in lieu of the proper name of the place. Toe many write anonymously, whether by intent or oversight. And eke anc ouch, many, many too many tax a fellow beyond endurance with in opposite apologies or remarks, such as Q long quotation or sometimes $ fellow has written himself, or patronizing explanation of how tho correspondent happened to take his pen in hand, or an apology for haste or pencil.
 Raw carrot is one of the best nat ural sources of vitamirl A. Lack oi vitan1in A causes. xerophthalmia (dry eyes) and night blindness (nyctalopia) Ackroyd, in his work on "Vatamins and Other Dietary Essentials" (Heineniann, London 1933) says: "The writer has some times given Newfoundland fisher men. victims of night-blindness, a single tablespoonful of cod-liVer oil with the gratifying result that they were able to see on the subsequent night" Such fish liver oil is the rich est known vitamin A substance in nature. Raw carrot is an excellent source Of vitamins B, c and c, too Tn animals cataract develops with in Q few weeks if the feed is en- | tirely dcpriVed of Vatamin e RestOr- ation of c to the diet, however, does not clear up such cataract in the animal.
 If knew any more about this I'd tell 1t here.
 Over You Go and Up With Smile
 It is over tyD weele since ] wrote for instructions for turning somer- eaulls and l have received no reply