The cure of imperfect sight by treatment without glasses

Historical Significance: Bates (1860-1931) was medically qualified and practised ophthalmology in the New York Eye and Ear infirmary. He formed the view that accommodation is due to a change in length of the eye brought about by the actions of the extra-ocular muscles and that refractive errors were due to a functional derangement of the action of the muscles on the outside of the eyeball. He developed exercises that he claimed would remedy refractive errors. He self published "Perfect Eyesight Without Glasses" in 1919, which gained very wide popularity, retained to a degree to this day. See also Catalgue No 98 Bates W The Bates Method for good sight without glasses 1944. Bates' books are among of quite a number that espouse alternative treatments to preventing and remedying eye conditions usually under the title of Better sight without glasses or similar: See MacFadden (1901 # 429, 1925 # 1081), Bates 1920, 1944 (#98, # 250), Benjamin 1935, 1940 (#94, # 252), Hauser c1960 (#576)