OPHTHALMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF RAJAH SERFOJI 2:
clinical photograph showing a case of leucoma
clinical photograph showing a case of spring catarrh
clinical photograph showing a case of pterygium
clinical photograph showing ophthalmic purulentis
clinical photograph showing a case of proptosis
clinical photograph showing a case of corneal ulcer (pre and post treatment)
To investigate and describe the ophthalmic contribution of Raja Serfoji II (1798-1832). A team of 2 ophthalmologists, director of laboratory services, one archeologist and a photographer visited Sarasvathi Mahal Library, March 2004. Photographs of ophthalmic records were taken and analysed
Ophthalmic records forty four patients were found. The age of the patients ranged from 5 to 60 years. Six records were written in Modi script, 38 in English and 18 drawings were found. Ophthalmic terminology used was lid, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, lens capsule, posterior chamber and so on. Various diagnosis was made ophthalmic purulentis, lenticular cataract, capsulolenticular cataract, leukoma, amaurosis, amaurosis hemianopia, and ophthalmia chronica. Various medical treatments comprising European and Indian medicines were used. Cataract probably by couching was done. Leeches were applied over the eyes to reduce congestion and inflammation. Number of leeches applied and the duration (in days) were also mentioned. Treatment was given based on medical and surgical procedures. In Indian medications, Castor oil, Rhubarb powder, Indigenous "blue pill," and Leeches were used, whereas in European medications, Silver nitrate, Solution of belladonna, Peppermint water, Chalk powder, and Tincture of hyoscine were used.
Following treatment or surgery, vision was recorded in the form of "improved" or "same." Patients were paid rupees 2 as " inam" (reward) at the time of discharge. There were colored drawings of the patients of leukoma, spring cataracts, corneal ulcer (pre- and post-treatment), pterygium, cataract (both eyes) ophthalmia purulents, growth on the limbus, proptosis, and bilateral aphakia. A case of a 15 year old patient is documented on Aug 20, 1827 and is diagnosed with ophthalmia purulents it is noted that the patient had great inflammation of the palpebral and sclerotic conjunctiva with considerable watery and mucous discharge from the left eye (probably mucopurulent conjunctivitis). Twelve leeches were applied. Some lotion was applied on the neck (Emp. Lytta). Compound of Jalap Powder was used and belladonna was applied over the eyes. The patient felt better. However, there was still pain in the eye with much watering. Six leeches were applied over the left temporal region. Silver nitrate solution was applied again. Pain was completely gone. The patient was discharged after complete recovery.
In a 45-year-old patient who had lenticular cataract of 6 months duration, on September 9, 1827, a needle was introduced, the nucleus of cataract was depressed below the pupil, and a part of the external layer was disengaged during the operation and remained in the pupil. There was much pain. So 4 leeches were applied and Purging powder was given. The patient improved after the operation. Absorption of lens occurred slowly. He was given blue pills at bed time. Additional 4 leeches were applied and the patient improved.
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| photograph showing preparation and composition of blue pillsAdd caption |
To investigate and describe the ophthalmic contribution of Raja Serfoji II (1798-1832). A team of 2 ophthalmologists, director of laboratory services, one archeologist and a photographer visited Sarasvathi Mahal Library, March 2004. Photographs of ophthalmic records were taken and analysed
Ophthalmic records forty four patients were found. The age of the patients ranged from 5 to 60 years. Six records were written in Modi script, 38 in English and 18 drawings were found. Ophthalmic terminology used was lid, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, lens capsule, posterior chamber and so on. Various diagnosis was made ophthalmic purulentis, lenticular cataract, capsulolenticular cataract, leukoma, amaurosis, amaurosis hemianopia, and ophthalmia chronica. Various medical treatments comprising European and Indian medicines were used. Cataract probably by couching was done. Leeches were applied over the eyes to reduce congestion and inflammation. Number of leeches applied and the duration (in days) were also mentioned. Treatment was given based on medical and surgical procedures. In Indian medications, Castor oil, Rhubarb powder, Indigenous "blue pill," and Leeches were used, whereas in European medications, Silver nitrate, Solution of belladonna, Peppermint water, Chalk powder, and Tincture of hyoscine were used.
Following treatment or surgery, vision was recorded in the form of "improved" or "same." Patients were paid rupees 2 as " inam" (reward) at the time of discharge. There were colored drawings of the patients of leukoma, spring cataracts, corneal ulcer (pre- and post-treatment), pterygium, cataract (both eyes) ophthalmia purulents, growth on the limbus, proptosis, and bilateral aphakia. A case of a 15 year old patient is documented on Aug 20, 1827 and is diagnosed with ophthalmia purulents it is noted that the patient had great inflammation of the palpebral and sclerotic conjunctiva with considerable watery and mucous discharge from the left eye (probably mucopurulent conjunctivitis). Twelve leeches were applied. Some lotion was applied on the neck (Emp. Lytta). Compound of Jalap Powder was used and belladonna was applied over the eyes. The patient felt better. However, there was still pain in the eye with much watering. Six leeches were applied over the left temporal region. Silver nitrate solution was applied again. Pain was completely gone. The patient was discharged after complete recovery.
In a 45-year-old patient who had lenticular cataract of 6 months duration, on September 9, 1827, a needle was introduced, the nucleus of cataract was depressed below the pupil, and a part of the external layer was disengaged during the operation and remained in the pupil. There was much pain. So 4 leeches were applied and Purging powder was given. The patient improved after the operation. Absorption of lens occurred slowly. He was given blue pills at bed time. Additional 4 leeches were applied and the patient improved.
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