Dr Arthur Jacob (1790-1874), of Dublin, Ireland, was one of the leading ophthalmologists of his time. He was the first to describe the membrane that contains the rods and cones in the eye (membrana Jacobi) and basal cell carcinoma (Jacob's ulcer). He made a curved needle for cataract surgery from a sewing needle (Jacob's needle). Two descriptions of cataract surgery without anaesthesia are presented.
Somerville-LargeL.B.The First Irish Ocular Pathologist: Arthur Jacob (1790-1874). Br J Ophthalmol1948; 32: 601–617.
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JamesR.R.British masters of ophthalmology series: 20. Arthur Jacob, 1790-1874. Br J Ophthalmol1927; 11: 237–263.
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O'BrienE., CrookshankA., WolstenholmeG.A Portrait of Irish Medicine: An Illustrated History of Medicine in Ireland. Published for the Bicentenary of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Ward River Press, Swords, Co.Dublin, Ireland1984; p. 79, 96.
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JacobA.An Account of a Membrane in the Eye, now first described. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London1819, 109: 300–307.
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JacobA.On the form, construction and use of a cataract needle, of a particular description, employed by Arthur Jacob, M.D. The Dublin Hospital Reports and Communications in Medicine and Surgery1827; 4: 214–231.
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JacobA.Observations respecting an ulcer of peculiar character, which attacks the eye-lids and other parts of the face. The Dublin Hospital Reports and Communications in Medicine and Surgery1827; 4: 232–239.
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JacobA.A treatise on the inflammations of the eyeball.Dublin Medical Press, Dublin, Ireland1849.
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JacobA.On the operation for the removal of cataract, as performed with a fine sewing needle through the cornea.Medical Press, Dublin, Ireland1850, p. 21–22.
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HaridasR.P.Ether Day and the first ether anaesthetics in South Africa. S Afr J Surg1997; 35: 54–58.
