BLINDNESS  , the

condition of being blind (a common Teutonic word), i.e. devoid of sight (see also Vlsiou; and EYE: Diseases) . The data furnished in various countries by the census of 1901 showed generally a decrease in blindness, due to the progress in medical science, use of antiseptics, better sanitation, control of infectious diseases, and better protection in shops and factories . Blindness is much more common in hot countries than in temperate and cold regions, but Finland and Iceland are exceptions to the general rule.' In hot countries the eyes are affected by the glaring sunlight, the dust and the dryness of the air, From statistics in Italy, France and Belgium, localities on the coast seem to have more blind persons than those at a distance from the sea . There are no late returns for Iceland, but the last available statistics gave 340o per million . A paper written in 1903 on blindness in Egypt stated that 1 in every 50 of the population was blind . The following table gives the number of blind persons as reported in the census of each country . Unless otherwise stated, it refers to the statistics of 1900 . Country . Total Number per Million Number. of Population . Austria 14,582 540 Belgium 3448 487 Canada 3279 610 Denmark 1047 427 England 25,317 778 France 27,174 698 Finland' 3229 1191 Hungary 19,377 1006 Ireland 4263 954 Italy . 38",160 1175 Holland (1890) 2114 414 Norway 1879 838 . Portugal 5650 1040 Sweden 3413 664 Switzerland (1895) 2107 722 Scotland 3253 727 Spain (1877) 24,608 1006 Russia about 2000 United States (corrected census) .