An appeal to the medical profession, on the utility of the improved patent syringe, with directions for its several uses, shewing, by a statement of facts, the validity of the rights and claims of the patentee.

  • Read, John, 1760-1847
Date:
1824
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An appeal to the medical profession, on the utility of the improved patent syringe, with directions for its several uses, shewing, by a statement of facts, the validity of the rights and claims of the patentee. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    “At the iiitenial canthus of the orbit is a small muscle belonging to the internal commissure of the eyelids, which has not been observed before, or is omitted in the description of the part. That it does not belong to either of the above, foblicjitus superior et inferior,] or to the orbicularis palpebrarum, a reference to every minute account ot tlieiii, given by the most eminent anatomists, will prove. This muscle is about three lines broad, and six lines long, arising from the posterior Hat surface of the os unguis, near its junction with the os ethmoides, and passes forwards and outwards, lying on the pos- terior face of the lachrymal ducts. As it approaches the commissure of the lids, it splits into two parts, nearly equal, each of which is appro- priated to a duct, and inserted along its course, almost to the puuctuni lachrymale. “ To get a distinct view of it, the eyelids must be separated from the eye, and turned over the nose, leaving the tendinous attachment of the orbicularis and ciliaris muscles. The valva semilunaris is brought into sight by this process, which must be dissected away, and also the fat and cellular membrane underneath if. The muscle is now seen, and, by passing bristles through the lachrymal ducts, its connexion with them is rendered evident; at the same time we get a good idea ot its size, origin, and insertion. While making this inspection, by turning the muscle somewhat aside, we shall be rendered sensible ot another fact of some importance,—that the attachment of the inner commissure of the eyelids to the canthus of the orbit is imperfectly described, even by anatomists of much minuteness in their accounts. It is attributed ex- clusively to the tendon of the orbicularis muscle; so much so, that, in the operation for fistula lachrymalis, we are enjoined not to cut through the tendon, least a puckering of the eyelids be produced by their line of extension being destroyed. The fact, on the contrary, is, that a liga- mentous matter behind this tendon passes between the inteiual extreliiity of the posterior flat surface of the os unguis; so that, admitting the tendon of the orbicularis to be cut through, this ligament, assisted by the little muscle described, would prevent the dreaded deformity. The internal extremity of this posterior ligament is at least half an inch from the insertion of the orbicularis tendon into the usual process, and it brings into a curve commonly seeii at their junction. I he lachrymal ducts involved in this posterior ligament, passing along it into the sac, instead of going along the edges of the commissure, as commonly de- scribed, just under the skin, must influence considerably the position of the puucta lachrymalia, by drawing them towards the bail of the eye, and keeping them in close contact with it; it is therefore a very cflicient means for regulating, so far, the lachi-ymal passages, and for securing the course of the tears. I am indebted to Dr. iMiysick for a further suggestion in regard to its other uses, which appears highly probable. Ill cases of extreme eniacialioii, it is w'cll known that the aflipose matter around the ball of the eye is more or less absorbed, causing it to sink deeper into the orbit, and consequently to retire somewhat from the lids. The cfl'ect of the muscle is to draw the lids backwards, and to keep them applied on the ball. Again, in the elevation of the upper lid, or rather lire drawing of it within the orbit by the levator palpebia;, 7