Note 71 — AN ACCOUNT OF THE STATE OF THE BODY AND MIND IN OLD AGE; WITH OBSERVATIONS ON ITS DISEASES, AND THEIR REMEDIES.

There is a remarkable instance of the sight having been restored after it had been totally destroyed in an old man near Reading, in Pennsylvania. My brother, Judge Rush, furnished me with the following account of him in a letter from Reading, dated June 23, 1792.

“An old man, of 84 years of age, of the name of Adam Riffle, near this town, gradually lost his sight in the 68th year of his age, and continued entirely blind for the space of twelve years. About four years ago his sight returned, without making use of any means for the purpose, and without any visible change in the appearance of the eyes, and he now sees as well as ever he did. I have seen the man, and have no doubt of the fact. He is at this time so hearty, as to be able to walk from his house to Reading (about three miles), which he frequently does in order to attend church. I should observe, that during both the gradual loss, and recovery of his sight, he was no ways affected by sickness, but, on the contrary, enjoyed his usual health. I have this account from his daughter and son-in-law, who live within a few doors of me.”