CLASSIFICATION OF EXPERIMENTAL CATARACTS IN THE RAT

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Abstract
Since the early observations by Erdheim,1 in 1906, on cataract associated with tetany in rats and those by A. Buschke,2 in 1913, on cataract produced by thallium, cataract has been observed with seven other experimental conditions of the rat. Such cataracts do not include the acute reversible opacities of the lens due to osmotic and physical factors. The question arises whether this fairly large body of experimental observations can be put to any use in solution of the problem of the pathogenesis of cataract. The occurrence of cataract in one species under a great number of different conditions appears to be a fortunate situation from the standpoint of comparative pathology. Valuable information can be obtained by systematic studies with the slit lamp during the early stages and throughout the development of the cataract and by observation on allied manifestations elsewhere in the body. On the basis of such