tobacco alone. We have seen their eyeballs
gradually becoming sightless when no change could be detected in their
eyes--only the optic nerve gradually lost its sensibility till they
were entirely blind. We are perfectly aware that there are those who
will scout the idea of such an effect, and prescribe these very
narcotics largely in such cases; it is because such drugs are used and
ordered that we are compelled thus to reason about them. In all cases
of failing eyesight they should be carefully avoided. So should all
foods which are not easily converted into healthful blood.

Eyes, Healthy.--Cheap, ill-printed literature is responsible for much
eye trouble, and it is well worth while to pay, if possible, a little
extra for books well printed, especially in the case of those who read
much. When reading sit erect, with the back to the light, so that it
falls over the shoulder. Too fine work, dim light, wrong diet, and want
of exercise produce the dull and strained eye, which eventually becomes
seriously diseased. Opening the eyes under cold water will help to
strengthen them, and massaging the muscles of the eye by passing the
finger and thumb round the socket (with scarcely any pressure on the
ball itself) will be found of advantage.

Eyes, Inflamed.--For all kinds of burning inflammatory pain in the
eyes, the following treatment is most effective. Place a hot BRAN
POULTICE (_see_) beneath the back of the head and neck while the
patient lies on the back. Press gently fresh cool damp cloths,
frequently changed, all over the eyeballs and sockets, so as to draw
out the heat. No one who has not seen this done can imagine how
powerful a remedy it is. It may also be necessary, if the feet be cold,
to foment up to the knees. This last fomentation is best done at
bedtime, and the feet and legs should be rubbed with olive oil, and a
pair of cotton stockings put on to sleep in, to keep the feet
comfortable.

If the eyes are very sensitive the treatment should go on in dim light,
as may be felt necessary. The poultice and cold cloths may be used for
an hour twice a day. In bad cases, where sight has been seriously
affected, a good rubbing of all the skin of the head with the finger
tips may be given before the poultice is applied. This rubbing must not
be a trial to the patient, but gently done, with kindly good will, and
it must be pursued for fifteen or twenty minutes, until the whole head
is in a warm glow.

Eyes, I