Health, or, How to Live

CARE OF THE EYES

CRAWFORD, the celebrated sculptor, had an inveterate habit of reading in a reclining position. One eye had to be taken out in consequence of a cancerous tumor forming behind it, and his life has paid the forfeit, after years of suffering and the expenditure of a large amount of money. Prescott, the historian, in consequence of a disorder of a nerve, by which the eyes were rendered useless for all writing purposes, could not use a pen, as he was unable to see when it failed to make a mark for want of ink; nor could he distinguish the lines or edges of his paper. Yet with these disadvantages he wrote all his histories, using the agate styles on carbonated paper, being guided as to the lines or edges by brass wires drawn through a wooden frame. But with all these hindrances he has made himself one of the most readable of modern historians, and earned a fortune besides. HHTL 357.1

To avoid these and other similar calamities, we urge upon the young, especially, never to use the eye by any artificial light, where nicety of sight is required, nor the use of them in any straining position, or while riding in rail cars or carriages. We urge upon parents, in view of the many incurable eye diseases, to caution their children against reading by twilight; that is, before sunrise, or after sunset. It would be better not to allow them to read or sew by any artificial light, but if that is unavoidable, let it be imperative that they cease by nine o’clock at night in summer, and, by ten, at the furthest, in winter. It is a most inexcusable folly, and will, sooner or later, bring its punishment, to read or sew by gas or lamp, or candle light, and then sleep after daylight, as a habit. To all persons, of all ages, it is a most injurious practice. — Hall’s Journal of Health. HHTL 357.2