[17] This Disease is more common than one would readily imagine, since it is a predominant Custom, both among Surgeons and Physicians, to prescribe Mercury in almost every Case. And I dare assert, that out of Ten Patients whom they give out as afflicted with a _Gutta Serena_, Seven are affected with an accidental _Presbytopia_. [18] Such is the Reason why Mercury, when taken, does not excite a Salivation immediately. [19] It is well known that not only Arteries, but Veins, are susceptible of Irritability. [20] On this Membrane is the Image of Objects painted. [21] As ocular Muscles are seldom swelled, or all equally so at the same Time, the taking of Mercurial Preparations neither does affect the Sight of every Individual, nor equally both Eyes of the same Individual. [22] I confine myself to the Indication of general Remedies, without entering into Particulars: as to the judicious Physician, it is left to select such as most agree with the Patient’s Constitution. [23] I confine myself to the Indication of general Remedies, without entering into Particulars: as to the judicious Physician, it is left to select such as most agree with the Patient’s Constitution. [24] It is a material Point to know when Recourse to Electricity is to be had; for, if unseasonably employed, it only proves hurtful. [25] As lasting Swelling, or Tension, is ever followed by a proportionate Relaxation, the ocular Muscles cannot suddenly recover their former Strength, so as to give the Eye a proper Figure to see clearly at various Distances. [26] I have since experienced that fresh Water does better alone than mixed with Spirits. [27] Drastic Purges produce momentaneous Dejections, and are all followed by Costiveness. [28] The last _August_, being at _Edinburgh_, I (under the Eyes of the ingenious Mr. _Miller_, Oculist) treated an _American_ Gentleman afflicted with this Disease. During the few Weeks he was under my Care, the Scale of Vision was reduced more than one third Part. Affairs calling me back to _London_, I left him in the Hands of Mr. _Miller_, with proper Directions how to proceed in the Treatment. Since I have heard that the Patient could not continue at _Edinburgh_ long enough to perform his Cure. End of Project Gutenberg's Reprint of Two Tracts, by Jean Paul Marat