title: Ophthalmic contributions of Raja Serfoji II (1798-1832).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate and describe the ophthalmic contribution of Raja Serfoji II (1798-1832).
  
  
  METHODS
  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. An interview of the present prince, S Babaji Rajah Bhonsle was taken. Ophthalmologic case sheets of 44 patients, 18 pictures were found.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-four patient's ophthalmic records were found. Six records were written in Modi script, 38 were written in English and 18 drawings were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In Thanjavur, King Serfoji II carried out methodical ophthalmic practices between 1798 and 1832. Both European and Indian medicines were used. Cataract Surgery was performed. Detailed ophthalmic records were maintained. The only evidence of Serfoji's amazing contribution to medicine lies in 50 charts and manuscripts.
authors: Department of Ocular Pathology, Medical and Vision Research Foundations, Sankara Nethralaya, 41 College Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Jyotirmay
authors: J
authors: Biswas
authors: Vasanthi
authors: V
authors: Badrinath
authors: Sengamedu S
authors: SS
authors: Badrinath
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract / Q000266:history*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000266:history*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000266:history*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000266:history*