Extremely favourable results have followed the extensive use of vitamin A in ophthalmology, which were gratifying not only in affections of the cornea but also in other diseases of the eye. The usefulness of this vitamin has, however, also been dè- monstrated in a somewhat different manner. The most recent investigations have shown that the curious phenomena of night blindness are due io a deficiency of vitamin A. In this connection it is interesting to note that in ancient Egypt the curative effect of liver in this condition— undoubtedly due to its vitamin A content—was well recognised.
Detailed experiments have been performed in the medico-technical institute in Cleveland, where American research workers have tried to determine the significance of night blindness with regard to the safety of trafüc at night. They started from. the assumption that the formation of the visual purple, the substance on which visual perception by the eye depends, is disturbed if the supplies of vitamin A are inadequate. They also had to consider whether an improvement in night vision, especially for those travelling long distances, was attainable. Such improvement was considered possible even in persons who suffered from no vitamin A deficiency. The results of their work are of great interest since they were able to show that motor drivers receiving additional amounts of vitamin A over and above their normal requirements were greatly benefited During the hours of darkness these men were not only able to see more easily but were spared the normal degree of fatigue.
In a certain industry the workmen regularly received a quantity of synthetic vitamin A and it was shown that their power to differentiate between colours was improved by 75% or more.
The investigators are certain that many accidents at night, which are traceable to fatigue of the eye, could be avoided. The time may yet be distant when every driver of a motor vehicle, preparing for a journey by night, takes a dose of vitamin A before setting off. It is, however, appropriate to point out here that vitamin A occurs in a considerable quantity in cod liver oil.
Many persons, unfortunately, find, that cod liver oil has certain dis agreeable effects and therefore, the chemical industry has been searching for a more agreeable substitute. Their efforts have culminated in the discovery of "Vogan," a preparation completely free from cod liver oil, but on the other hand containing vitamin A in a concentration one hundred times greater than ever found ity cod liver oil. "Vogan" thus provides adequate supplies of vitamin A for medical as well as such purposes as described above, at no discomfort to the person concerned. A series of investigations will, however, undoubtedly be needed in order to make certain that the theories described above can be translated into facts. For the problem of the prevention of road accidents is one of ihe most pressing with which we have to deal—Apvr.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.