The first German textbook of ophthalmology "Augendienst" by G. Bartisch, 1583.
This book contains various illustrations, portraits and an exact index, testimonials proving the author's professional successes as well as an accurate list of the qualities that should be demanded from any ophthalmologist. The anatomy of the head and eye is described according to Galen's ideas and Vesalius' book. Many remedies, prescriptions and medical treatments are discussed, partly showing the mystic influences of the Middle Ages. Bartisch reports several diseases for the first time: Allergic reactions, sympathetic ophthalmia, hemeralopia, photoelectric keratoconjunctivitis, amaurosis due to toxemia of pregnancy. But most important is the part on surgery. A careful pre- and postoperative treatment is demanded in cases of cataract operations. Bartisch describes the removal of eyelashes to cure trichiasis, the operations of ptosis, blepharochalasis and the exenteration of the orbit. This book was appreciated for a long time so that in 1686 a nearly identical reprint was published.
D001877:Books; D005858:Germany; D049669:History, 16th Century; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000266:history*; D013782:Textbooks as Topic