Practical Observations on the Formation of an Artificial Pupil, in Several Deranged States of the Eye; to which are annexed, Remarks on the Extraction of Soft Cataracts, and Those of the Membraneous Kind, through a Puncture in the Cornea.
London: Printed for Cadell and Davies, 1811. First edition. Hardcover. Important early work by the Manchester England eye surgeon, Benjamin Gibson, his only work. Gibson (1774- 1812) is noted for support of linear extraction of cataracts, especially congenital cases; he also perfected the design of surgical instruments, which are illustrated in this volume.
Gibson's expertise in surgery on young patients suffering from congenital cataracts changed the contemporary approach toward surgery on children. Gibson proved that it could be safely and successfully undertaken on infants; he published a paper in the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal (Vol. VII., 1811) on " The use of the couching-needle in infants of a few months old." Gibson also made an early report (1807) on the transmission of neonatal gonorrheal ophthalmitis from mother to newborn. This was before the use of silver nitrate in newborns' eyes became common practice.
Gibson famously restored some sight, after 33 years of blindness, to the poet and radical Edward Rushton in a series of operations between 1805 and 1807. Rushton, who following surgery was able to see his wife and children for the first time, wrote and dedicated in gratitude a long poem to Gibson.
Includes history of the operation for forming an artificial pupil; modes of forming the artificial pupil (the natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens); opacity at the center of the cornea; 5 operations depending upon the degree of adhesions between cornea & iris; mode of extracting a soft cataract; and mode of extraction of membraneous cataracts, with four different cases described.
8vo, 155pp, 2 engraved plates. The first plate showing 3 instruments: the hook, forceps and "iris scissors"; the second plate showing the condition of the eyes of 3 patients following specific surgeries. Half-title with small Medical Library Bath stamp at verso, over stamped "canceled". Early binding, three quarter tan calf and marbled boards, with title gilt title at black spine label, along with gilt decorative rules. “This work includes a valuable account of the history of the operation for artificial pupil”---Becker 152. OCLC: 2410184. We have found only two copies at auction, the last one over 10 years ago. Very good condition. Item #22894
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