Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 003.djvu/107

 and thereupon made the tryal, and found the effect fully to answer to my case, and to be most proper for Characters, as there printed. And then I blam'd not a little my own stupidness, that I did no sooner apply to my self the hint, I might have taken from the Ingenious Dr. Lowers Observations concerning a Blemish in horses eyes, printed in Number 32, though that be nothing to my case, forasmuch as I see very little, if the Air be gloomy, or the Sky clouded; neither have I any resort of humors or sensible defluxions about my eyes.

And now give me leave to add, that if I had consulted with the learnedst and wisest men living, I make no doubt but I should have been disappointed of all relief; and perhaps I might have lost the Crepuscular remains of my Sight by adventurous Essayes upon such a tender Organ. Who knoweth how often the wisest of Mortals are lost, whilst they trample on the remedy, that offers it self at hand? We see how many ingenious and laborious Artists have long labour'd for the Elliptical or Hyperbolical Section of Glasses, hoping thereby to make that britle body of Glass of more worth, than the fairest Diamonds; yet if this were obtain'd to perfection, I doubt it would not afford me the kindness and relief, I gain by these empty and dark Tubes. And now I hope, that all who pretend to Vertue and Philosophy, will use such just scales for the virtue of things, as to estimate every thing, how cheap and contemptible soever it may seem to be, according as 'tis beneficial, and as it brings relief and supply to the distressed. ᾽Αξιςον μεν ὓδωζ.

I must not let this pass, without inserting here a few Notes, some of which referre to those Observations, you received from Dr. Lower, and communicated in the late mentioned Number (32)

1.That Horses of an Iron gray, or Dapple-gray are frequently inclining to loose one or both Eyes, if back'd and hard ridden too soon.

2.That in Man, and Beast (in Horses at least) the right eye is the weakest, and most frequently failing.

3.That the pupil or black of the eye is wider and larger in those that are short-sighted, than in those that see at greater distance.

Rh