Biomicroscopy of the eye. Slit lamp microscopy of the living eye

Historical Significance: This is an early and influential book on biomicroscopy that predates Doggart's classic text 'Ocular signs in slit lamp microscopy' published in 1948 (See Cat No 461). The book has a short chapter on the history of biomicroscopy of the eye. It reports Alvar Gullstrand developed a rudimentary slit lamp in 1911 although Himly (1772 - 1837) and William MacKenzie advocated oblique focal illumination for accurate observation of the eye in 1806. Helmholtz in the mid 19th C used the technique for his investigations of accommodation and von Graefe used it clinically in 1854. Aubert presented a binocular corneal microscope in 1891. However it was Gullstrand who showed that a focussed oblique beam of light was the most revealing. The book includes valuable illustrations of early slit lamps in Chapter 2. There was an earlier printing of this book in 1940 by Hamish Hamilton London and a reprinting in 1966. It has been translated into 22 languages. Milton Berliner MD (1895 - 1981) was at the time this book was written Assistant Professor of Clincial Surgery (Ophthalmology) at Cornell University Medical College and attending ophthalmologist at several New York hospitals. He became surgeon director of ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and director of ophthalmology at Beth Israel Hospital. He was among the first to introduce and practice modern techniques for the treatment of retinal detachments through surgery. He was also a pioneer in a procedure for correcting ptosis.