Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 014.djvu/166

Rh and the like is mention'd but by few Authors, I imagin'd that the following Transcript of two Letters he was pleas'd to send me about it, might not be unwelcom to you, and therefore I took this opportunity of conveying it to your hands.

First Let. I was lately in Suffolk, and there met with a pretty odd but curious case relating Vision; which I thought then had something of Rarity, and continue still in the perswasion. A Gentleman gave me the history of it, and because his Servant, who was concerned in it, was then in the house, I had the opportunity fully to inform my self, and if there be any Questions you would have propos'd, I shall shortly see him again.

The Gentleman propounded the Case himself, to know the Phylosophy of it, and what should be that particulate Figure in his Servants Eye, that he should see to acutely and strenuously in the day, and be just like a post so soon as the Sun set. The young man may be towards 20 years of age, and all the day hath as good a sight, if not better, than any of the family; distinguisheth at as great a distance any object; sees either nigh at hand or far off, or any of the intermediate spaces as well as any body, and with as much vigour and unweariedness; but when twilight once comes, is (as the Proverb says) blind as a Beetle; fees nothing; runs against Gates, Posts or Rails (any thing either higher, lower, or level to his Eye) and cannot without great difficulty direct himself. Neither is all this from the want of any vigorous influence from the Rays of the Sun, as I conceive; or when he is at home and in the house, he tumbles over Stools, runs his head against Doors, and cannot see or direct himself tolerably well either by the greater or lesser lights of the fire and candle; but commits pleasant mistakes, is apt to complement your feet as readily as present you steadily with a glass of Wine, runs his head against his Master's foot when he is to pull off