Aëtius also describes the operation very correctly, but in the same terms as our author; that is to say, he directs us to use the needle armed with a flaxen thread and a horse-hair, and afterwards to cut out the membrane, using the precautions here mentioned. (vii, 60.) Albucasis recommends the same mode of procedure as Aëtius (Chirurg. ii, 16.) Haly gives similar directions. (Pract. ix, 25.) Both caution us not to carry the incision too near the inner canthus. Haly Abbas recommends the use of the scissors, and not of the scalpel (in the translation read _forficibus_ and not _forcipibus_.) Avicenna likewise recommends the scissors. (iii, 3, 2, 23.) Rhases gives directions for passing a needle below the membrane, and for cutting it off. He speaks of using a pair of scissors. He mentions that he had seen a surgeon perform it with a pen. (Divis. 25, and Cont. ii, 3.) Jesu Hali directs us to operate either with a scalpel or pair of scissors. (De Oculis ii, 38.) The modern methods of treatment do not appear to differ in principle from the ancient. Scarpa operates with a pair of scissors; but Beer prefers the scalpel. Scarpa seems to approve of the direction given by the ancient authors, not to carry the incision too far towards the inner angle of the eye. See also Fabricius ab Aquapendente (Œuv. Chir. ii, 18), and Brunus (Chir. Mag. ii, 4.) SECT. XIX.—ON STAPHYLOMA. Staphyloma is an incurvation of the cornea, and of the tunica choroides, arising from debility, and being produced sometimes by a defluxion, and sometimes by ulceration. We operate upon it not in order to restore the eyesight, for that is impossible, but to moderate the patient’s deformity. Wherefore having passed a needle from below upwards through the base of the staphyloma, we are to push another needle, having a double thread, from the canthus next the hand to the other, through the base of the staphyloma; and the first needle remaining, we cut the double of the thread, and tie part of the staphyloma upwards and part downwards with the threads, and then removing the needle we apply wool dipped in eggs. After the removal of the dressings we soothe the eyes with emollient injections until the ligatures fall off along with the staphyloma. * * * * * COMMENTARY. Celsus thus describes the disease: “In ipso autem oculo nonnunquam summa attolitur tunica, sive ruptis intus membranis aliquibus, sive laxatis: et similes figura acino fit: unde id σταφύλωμα Græci vocant.” He describes two methods of cure: the first of which is by ligatures, as recommended by our author; and the other consists in cutting from the apex a circular portion equal in size to a lentil. Scarpa and Guthrie concur in recommending the latter operations, the merits of which, as they state, have not been generally appreciated properly.