DEP/DUA/1/43/49 (Normalised version)

Thomas Stevenson

1788

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N^o36 February 19^th. 1788.

Thomas Stevenson at 25. by trade a shoemaker, has a considerable diminution of sight in both eyes, but it is most remarkable in the right. And in that eye in particular, a slight degree of whiteness is discoverable at the interior part of the eye in the seat of the crystalline lens. Both pupils still continue to contract pretty freely on the action of light, when first exposed to it. But in ordinary light they appear to be rather more dilated than natural. This diminution of vision prevents him from being able to follow his usual employment as he cannot observe even the white stitches of a shoe, & it likewise prevents him from reading any book as he has consistently the appearance of something flying before his eyes, & if he attempts to persevere for any length of time he totally loses the power of vision. By candle light he cannot distinguish objects, with any degree of accuracy, by either eye.

In every other respect, he is in good health.

The affection of his eyes was first observed about two months ago. He happened to be shipwrecked [about] eight days after being first attacked with it, since that time, it has been much aggravated, growing daily worse. No medicines

He has used no medicines

Eliciantur indies scintillae electrica ex utrogue occito.

8.

Has continued the electricity regularly, but he is not sensible of any change in the affection of vision.

Cont. Electr. u. a & cap

Pil. ex Hyosciam gr V om. m. & v.

15

The pills sit easily on his stomach & the electricity has been regularly continued but he thinks that the affection of his eyes is rather increased

Cont. Med. u. a.

29

Think the diminution of vision rather increased, particularly in the right eye

Cont. Med. u. a.

April 5

His sight continues as at last report

Cont. Med. u. a.

12.

Sight as before

Cont. Med. u. a.