This is a most important condition, and, from the outset, requires the attention of the physician and the greatest care on the part of the nurse.

The inflammation usually comes on about three days after birth, in the following manner: on waking from sleep, the child's eyelids are slightly glued together; their edges, particularly at the corners, are redder than natural, and on turning down the lower lid a little white matter will be observed on the inside. Light causes pain and there is a tendency to keep the eyelids closed. After a short time the lids swell, become red on their external surfaces, and a large quantity of matter is secreted and constantly pours from the eye. Apart from pure medicinal treatment the nurse must keep the eye free from discharge by constantly washing away the matter secreted with boric acid solution. Burn the cotton used in this process at once, and it is most important for the attendant not to carry any of the discharge to her own eyes.