X. On semi-decussation of the optic nerves

Abstract

Whether we consider the astonishing subtlety of that medium, which renders visible to us objects existing at the most immeasurable distances from us, or that delicately constituted organ which, by its general structure, collects the rays of light, and by a nice adaptation of its parts concentrates their force on the sentient fibres of the retina, expanded over its inner surface, we can feel no surprise that such great talents should have been devoted to investigate the curious properties of the one, or that the structure of the other should have been examined with so much assiduity. The keenness of inquiry manifested by the cultivators of anatomy in observing the most minute parts that have escaped the notice of their predecessors, shows that any addition to the common stock of our information on this subject will be gratifying to a certain portion of the members of this Society, and probably not uninteresting to the Society at large.