Progress and Achievements of the Colored People: Containing the Story of the Wonderful Advancement of the Colored Americans—the Most Marvelous in the History of Nations—Their Past Accomplishments, Together With Their Present-day Opportunities and a Glimpse Into the Future for Further Developments—the Dawn of a Triumphant Era. A Handbook for Self-improvement Which Leads to Greater Success
John Stuart Mill · en
Here are some simple and sound rules for care of the eyes, as formulated
by a recognized authority on the subject. Avoid reading and study by
poor lights. Light should come from the side of the reader, and not from
the back nor from the front. Do not read or study while suffering great
bodily fatigue or during recovery from illness. Do not read while lying
down. Do not use the eyes too long at a time for anything that requires
close application, but give them occasional periods of rest. Reading and
study should be done systematically. During study avoid the stooping
position, or whatever tends to produce congestion of the blood in the
head and face. Read with the book on a level with the eyes, or nearly
so, instead of in your lap. Select well printed books. Correct
imperfection in sight with proper glasses, not selected carelessly by
yourself or bought from an irresponsible wandering peddler, but properly
fitted by an educated optician. Avoid bad hygienic conditions and the
use of alcohol and tobacco. Take sufficient exercise in the open air.
Let physical culture keep pace with mental development, for imperfection
in eyesight is most usually observed in those who are lacking in
physical development.
STYES AND THEIR TREATMENT
A stye is a small boil which projects from the edge of the eyelid, and
is sometimes much inflamed and very painful. A poultice of linseed meal
or bread and milk will soothe it and soften it. When the stye forms a
head showing matter, pierce it with a clean, sharp needle and then apply
some mild, soothing ointment.
TO TAKE THE COLOR FROM A BLACK EYE
A black eye is usually caused by a blow and may be a very disfiguring
object. If inflamed and painful wash the eye often with very warm water,
in which is dissolved a little carbonate of soda. A repeated application
of cloths wrung out of very hot water gives relief. A poultice of
slippery elm bark mixed with milk and put on warm is also good. To
remove the discoloration of the eye bind on a poultice made of the root
of “Solomon’s seal.” It is often found sufficient to apply the scraped
root at bedtime to the closed eye and the blackness will disappear by
morning.
TO REMOVE BITS OF DIRT FROM THE EYE
To remove dirt or foreign particles from the eye take a hog’s bristle
and double it so as to form a loop. Lift the eyelid and gently insert
the loop under it. Now close the lid down upon the bristle, which may be
withdrawn gently and the dirt should come with it.
=Another Process.=—Take hold of the upper eyelid with the forefinger and
thumb of each hand, draw it gently forward and down over the lower lid,
and hold it in this position for about a minute. When at the end of this
time you allow the eyelid to resume its place, a flood of tears will
wash out the foreign substance, which will be found near the lower
eyelid.
If lime gets into the eyes, a few drops of vinegar and water will
dissolve and remove it.