TREATMENT OF THE DISEASES OF THE EYE, BY MEANS OF PRUSSIC ACID VAPOUR, AND OTHER MEDICINAL AGENTS. BY A. TURNBULL, M.D., EDIN., HONORARY PHYSICIAN TO THE INDIGENT BLIND VISITING SOCIETY; AUTHOR OF "A TREATISE ON PAINFUL AND NERVOUS DISEASES," "VERATRIA, ACONITINA, DELPHINIA," ETC., ETC. LONDON: JOHN CHURCHILL, PRINCES STREET, SOHO. 1843. PREFACE. Amid a multiplicity of professional duties I have appropriated a few spare minutes to the preparation of this little work. It must, under such circumstances, have many literary imperfections, for which I must crave the indulgence of the Profession. But I trust it embodies some useful and original principles and facts, that are, at least, entitled to a dispassionate consideration. I take this opportunity of thanking those Medical Gentlemen who so kindly, and so patiently watched several of the cases recorded in these pages. 48, Russell Square, Feb. 1st, 1843. CONTENTS. Page Introduction 1 Action of Hydrocyanic Acid upon the Eye 3 Action of Chlorocyanic Acid upon the Eye 7 Remarks on the Action of Carbon, &c. 15 Cases of Opacities of the Cornea, &c. 18 Cases of Staphyloma 27 Case of Inverted Eye-lashes, with Opacity of the Cornea 33 Case of Conical Eye 35 Cases of Cataract 37 Cases of Amaurosis 41 W. H. Newnham, Esq.'s letter 47 Professor Forbes's letter 48 Case of Staphyloma, treated by J. C. Atkinson, Esq. 51 Dr. Maclean's cases 53 Case of Diseased Cornea, treated by G. K. H. Paterson, Esq. 61 CHAPTER II. Action of Essential Oils, &c. 67 Formulæ ib. Amaurosis 75 A. Cruikshanks, Esq.'s letters 83 Dr. Kent's letter 86 INTRODUCTION. In submitting to the public the following interesting cases illustrative of the effects of my mode of treating diseases of the eye, I have prefixed to them the original communications transmitted by me to the _Lancet_ and the _Medical Gazette_. My reason for so doing is this--I wish it to be seen by actual comparison, that in every instance the confidence I have expressed in the efficacy of these medicines has not been overrated; on the contrary, it will be seen that I have said less than the facts really warrant.