A. Cruikshank
The next case which I select from the same work is that ofAlexander Cruikshanks, Esq., of Strathcathro Castle, Forfarshire. When this case came under my care he was undergoing the necessary preparation for an operation for cataract. The peculiar difference in the removal of cataract without operation is, that the person afterwards needs no cataract glasses, as will be seen from the extracts of two of Mr. Cruikshank's letters to the author. It is now seven years since his recovery, and he is at the present date perfectly well.
"March 8th, 1836.—My right eye was affected with dimness, or defect of vision, so long ago as the year 1810, and commenced by the deceptious effect of seeing two objects distinctly where there really was but one. This deception of double vision gradually disappeared as the vision of the eye became imperfect. The other eye was not affected until about four or five years ago. The affection of this, like the other, commenced and continued, with the double vision,until Dr. Turnbull's remedy was continued six weeks, when it totally disappeared. The right eye, by this time, was restored to such a healthy state, that I could read 'Blackwood's Magazine,' or the leading article of a newspaper, without glasses, and the smallest print with them. By the way, it may be proper to mention that it was not till July last, 1835, that I ascertained, beyond question, the nature of the complaint with which I was affected. In that month I applied to an eminent oculist, who, after two examinations, informed me the complaint was cataract."
"May the 10th, 1836.—I am favoured with your letter of the 3rd instant, intimating that you had heard it reported that the benefit I had derived from your treatment of my eyes had disappeared. The only person with whom I have had any communication on the subject is my friend, Mr.——, whom I informed that the remedy was applied to my forehead and temples, by friction only, without your having prescribed oradministered one grain of medicine, or having confined me to the house, or directed the slightest change in my former habits of living, either as to drink or diet; and that my sight was good enough to read, write, fish, shoot, and to see a pin on the floor at the most distant corner of an ordinary-sized room. What more can, or ought, a man of 67 years of age wish for in this respect? But if any are sceptical as to your mode of treatment, let them produce a testimony like this of a superior method.
"My dear Sir,
"Yours very faithfully,
"Alexander Cruikshanks."
"A. Turnbull, Esq., M.D."