Chirurgical Experiments and Observations relating to Distempers in the Eye-- Plate

Plate 2 depicts the eye in association with Case XII: Chirurgical experiments and Observations relating to Distempers in the Eyes, by Charles Fredric Ribe. The fold out page itself also deals with two other cases, but the material of plate 2 is associated with Case XII. It is interesting that the entire fold out page was used for various cases, and shows that these fold out pages and pages made of plates were still a limited resource. The fact that the content of this plate is a purely anatomical depiction of the eye with no pathological relevance emphasizes the importance of anatomy at the time. The opening of the case also goes on to say that, “to a person, who aims at medical excellence, Anatomy is the most necessary Science, and consequently the first in which he is to ground himself” once again highlighting the importance of anatomy at this time. This may also show the limitations of the understanding of medicine at the time, where the gross anatomy of the eye could be understood, but not the finer details.

Looking closely at the depictions of the eye, that the illustrations outlines the eye and specific experiments. Figure 3 depicts the removal of cataracts with a needle. The letters and numbers seen on the image are used to outline the steps used for removing a cataract, given the doctors experience. Figures 1 and 2 are also marked at various locations to describe the steps and results, such as the leaking of liquid. It is interesting the way the author dynamically uses all three images, and shows the limitation that the quality of the images had on explaining the medical procedures. These images are generally clear and detailed, but the technology at the time obviously limited the graphics.