Diseases of the Eye: History of Ophthalmic Medicine – Treatments and Diagnoses Described by a Surgeon and Professor of Ophthalmology in the 19th Century

Ophthalmologist Nathaniel L. MacBride discusses the various maladies of the eye – first published in 1897, this book offers insight into the history of ophthalmology and eye medicine. Beginning with an anatomical discussion of the cornea, iris and conjunctiva, the author goes on to discuss the various ailments afflicting the eye, such as glaucoma and conjunctivitis. The second part of the book details the physics of eyesight, and how one can discern disturbances to the eye’s function, such as the appearance of cataracts. As this book dates to the late 19th century, the treatments described have long been obsoleted. The application of cocaine solution upon the eye for instance has no place in modern ophthalmology. The surgical techniques of the time were conducted manually and with metallic instruments; such methods are outdated in the modern day.