Of the crystalline lens and cataract. / By Bernard Edward Brodhurst.

  • Brodhurst, Bernard E. (Bernard Edward), 1822-1900.
Date:
MDCCCL
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Of the crystalline lens and cataract. / By Bernard Edward Brodhurst. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    24/298 (page 8)
    the capsule have as yet alone been injected; the internal or secreting surface presents an intricate net-work of serous vessels, but neither into these nor into those of the lens proper has injection been forced. Although the capsule be not affected by long maceration in alcohol, at least its external lamella, disease deprives it of some of its properties, such as its elasticity, its transparency, and its peculiar brittle condition, and renders it tough and opaque, an ob- stacle to vision. The integrity of the capsule is essential to the vitality of the lens : the capsule be- coming opaque involves the lens in the same disease ; but the longer the membrane is only partially opaque, by so much the longer will the disease cease to implicate the lens, when indeed it be not such, as may affect one and the other almost simulta- neously. The posterior wall of the capsule is closely adhe- rent to the hyaloid membrane, in the whole extent of the hyaloid fossa : further, it is surrounded and firmly grasped by zonula Zinnii. Through pressure, these adhesions cannot be broken through ; but, if the attempt be made, the lens will be depressed through its capsule. This splinters and gives way, retaining firmly its adhesions. Professor Hyrtl writes as follows : “ Oculists speak of depression of the lens with its cajisule, as of an undoubted fact. Also, that the lens has been extracted together with its capsule. Both are anatomical impossibilities. The whole posterior wall of the capsule is closely