Enduring Influence of Elizabethan Ophthalmic Texts of the 1580s: Bailey, Grassus, and Guillemeau

Abstract

Three English ophthalmic texts of the 1580s were frequently republished: 1) Walter Bailey’s A Briefe Treatise Touching the Preseruation of the Eie Sight, 2) The Method of Phisicke, an adaptation of the medieval treatise of Benevenutus Grassus, and 3) A Worthy Treatise of the Eyes, a translation of Jacques Guillemeau’s treatise. Their history is intertwined through composite publications, some of which lacked clear attribution. At least 21 editions incorporated these texts. Although not previously realized, major elements of all 3 works are found in Two Treatises Concerning the Preseruation of Eie-sight, first published in 1616. To preserve eyesight, Bailey recommended eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), fennel (Fæniculum vulgare), and a moderate lifestyle incorporating wine. In the works of Grassus and Guillemeau, cataracts were believed to lie anterior to the ‘crystalline humor,’ and were treated by the ‘art of the needle,’ or couching. Links are found between Grassus, Guillemeau, and eighteenth century glaucoma concepts. Although one of his students has traditionally received credit, it was English oculist John Thomas Woolhouse who first combined the early concepts and used the term glaucoma to describe the palpably hard eye in the early eighteenth century. The three primary ophthalmic texts of 1580s England influenced ophthalmic thought for over a century.

Ophthalmology in North America: Early Stories (1491-1801)

“…by only dropping the milky juice into them.” 28 It is not clear whether this plant was the same as Euphrasia , also called eyebright, which was a long-standing eye remedy in Europe. 69 The traditional eyebright ( Euphrasia ) was discussed as a remedy for eye inflammation in the Medicina Britannica , republished in Philadelphia in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin. The editor of this American edition, botanist John Bartram of Philadelphia, noted that he had never seen Euphrasia growing in America, however, he had tried to sow it, and others had erroneously called other American plants by this name.…”

What was Glaucoma Called before the 20th Century?

“… 8 On the other hand, the weight of evidence from modern epidemiologic studies does suggest a higher prevalence of headache in patients with open-angle glaucoma. 9 …”

“…The treatise of Benevenutus Grassus, an oculist in the 12th or 13th century, influenced clinicians for 500 years. 9 Grassus described an incurable green ( viriditas ) 40 cataract, occurring suddenly with tearing, and with the eye “bleared”, sometimes following eye pain. 41 Given his clinical experience, Grassus’ description of the green ( viriditas ) pupil in this incurable condition was probably based on his own observations.…”

“…The answer is not known. Jacques Guillemeau (1550–1613) of France 9 cited Avicenna and wrote that glaucoma, or viriditas oculi , was incurable, and involved a dry, thick, and green lens. 9 , 45…”

“… 54 , 57 Woolhouse was aware of Banister’s treatise. 9 Of course, Woolhouse was actually using palpation to determine the hardness of the eye, not the lens. We know today that the hardness of the lens is independent of the intraocular pressure.…”