An introductory lecture on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye / [Richard Middlemore].

  • Middlemore, Richard, 1804-1891
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory lecture on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye / [Richard Middlemore]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    17/40 (page 11)
    textures has taken place, and loss of vision has occurred. By this method I have endeavoured to make myself acquainted with the’ entire course of disease; with every probable and ascertainable association and extension of morbid action; and with every form and variety of result. Again, in determining the visible external characters of any given form of disease, I have carefully noted them down in a great variety of cases; I have compared these appear. ances in a vast number of instances; and have in this manner determined, first, the more prominent and leading symptoms; and, secondly, the inferior or less conspicuous ones, and even those which are merely occasionally present. I have taken cases at different periods, set my notes aside for a time, then compared them with a new series of cases of a like nature; and, if any material difference in result has occurred, the cause of this discrepancy has been thoroughly sifted. Waving thus arrived at a definite result, it has been committed to paper; that is, my description of any given disease has been written out at length,—not merely the visible and external appearances, but all the other characters of the malady. I have then read with great attention the descriptions of others; and every point on which I have differed from any approved authority has been again inves- tigated; and in this way I have furnished to myself the best opportunity of either confirming a right conclusion, or of correcting an erroneous one. In describing particular diseases, it has been my custom to select from any one case that single appearance which has been best marked, another case, not exhibiting such one symptom at all conspicuously, has furnished: me with an opportunity of observing some other symptom very favourably, which was scarcely to be noticed in the previous case; and in this manner, by an ageregation of these more perfectly developed symptoms and appearances, I have been enabled to furnish the clearest ed