This milder invention for extinguishing the
sight was tried by the philosopher Democritus on himself,
when he sought to withdraw his mind from the visible world:
a foolish story! The word abacinare, in Latin and Italian,
has furnished Ducange (Gloss. Lat). with an opportunity to
review the various modes of blinding: the more violent were
scooping, burning with an iron, or hot vinegar, and binding
the head with a strong cord till the eyes burst from their
sockets. Ingenious tyrants!