On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
together , but the effect is obviated b ? a natural ointment formed in a very elegant glandular apparatus on the inner surface of the eye-lids . This apparatus consists of a number ,
16 or 18 , long itudinal parallel rows of very minute g landular bodies , and these pour out their secretions from a series of apertures on the edges of the eye-lids . This fluid is continually forming on the conjunctiva , but on extraordinary occasions , as when any
substance gets into the eye , or in consequence of certain affections of the mind , a fluid is poured out in greater abundance , which has the name of tears , and is secreted by the lacrymal gland * The superfluous part of the lacrymal secretions is conveyed through two very fine tubes , not bigger than a hog ' s bristle , to a small
bag situated at the internal angle of the eye . These tubes commence by open mouths , called the puncta lacrymalia , from the inner extremities of the eye-lids . The little fleshy projection at the corner of the eye situated
between the two puncta , is called caruncula lacrymalis . The lacrymal sac is a small membranous bag placed in the hollow formed at the inner edge of the orbit . A canal called the ductus nasalis , and lodged in a groove of the superior maxillary bone , is intended to
convey the tears into the nose , where it is terminated by an open orifice within the inferior bone . Such is the anatomical description of the eye , an organ which has always
excited the admiration of persons capable of understanding its structure , and the uses of its several parts . " There is scarcely any thing , " says an old writer , " which , in my
opinion , is more admirable , or more consummately artificial , than the structure of the eye , so that it is deservedly termed , by way of excellence , the miracle of the Creator ' s power : ' and another writer observes , that the eyes ,
ln peculiar manner , speak forth the dignit y and honour of the Supreme tieing , and represent in lively chapters his stupendous power . No P art is framed with such divine skill and symmetry . With respect to the form of the eye ^ e have seen that it is globular , which £ by much the most commodious opucal form , ^ being m ost fitted to ^ ntam the humours within , and to e cerve the images of ' objects from
Untitled Article
without . For if it were a plain smrface , the figure of an object gre &ter than the eye could not fall perpe ndicularly upon it . Since , then , the eye was intended to behold large obj ects as well as small , it is manifest than for this purpose it could not have be en a plain surface , or any other than \ rhat
it is , spherical , for on this figure an indefinite number of perpendicular lines may fall and all tend to the ? same centre , and thus a body , hov fever
large , becomes visible , if properly situated , to the smallest eye : that is , by this form of the eye , the ima ge or picture of the object viewed is painted at the bottom of the eye ; and a re can never reflect without wonder * upon the smallness , yet correctness of the picture , the subtilty of the ton ch , the fineness of the lines . " A landscape , * says Dr . Paley , " of five or sin square leagues , brought into a space of half an inch in diameter : yet the multitude of objects which it . contains are all preserved , are all disci : dminated in their magnitudes , position ; s , figures , and colours . The prospect from Hampstead Hill is compressed in 1 ; o the size of a sixpence , yet most ci rcumstantilly represented . ' The form of the eye is necessary for the aptitude of its various 1 notions : it is required that the eye sliould move all ways , upwards and dow 11 wards and
sideways , in order to adj ust itself to the objects which it wouk I view ; now by the spherical figure , it is perfectly prepared for these motions , so that it can be directed with the j greatest facility to all quarters as the occasion may require .
Consider also , the situation of the eye , namely , in the h' ? ad , which in man is the most erevJi and eminent part of the body , and near the most sensible part , the brain . By this situation it can take in m < > re objects , and at the same time it is i m the most convenient place for defen ce and security . In man the eyes are situated an the forepart of the head , a s being unquestionably the best adapt ted to his wants , but in other amm-ils they are ' often differently situated , en abling them the better to seek their foo d , and to escape dangers . In some c reatures , as in hares and rabbits , the y are so placed as to see behind the ; 11 , or on each side , by which provisi , on they are enabled to escape from tli veir enemy that is pursuing them .
Untitled Article
Natural Theology . No . IL—The Eye . K > 5
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1815, page 103, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1757/page/39/
-