Red vests
Sir: Red vests and red topi-linings may, alas, be now part of history (Letters, 18 October) — but they had had a good run as a prophylactic, even before John Gaddes- ton wrapped the son of Edward I in a scarlet cloak to protect him against small- pox; but, as a therapy, green seems to have been preferred ever since the Ebers Papyr- us (malachite for treating cataract etc) and Pliny (who recommended looking at green objects to relieve tired eyes). Nero's emer- ald lens was probably therapeutic too, as was the use of beryl in early spectacles, since a precious stone was always reckoned to enhance the healing effect of the colour.
At least, in the use of green-tinted spectacles, the `chromotherapy' of our forebears still thrives. These shaded glasses do not, of course, benefit the eyes, but may console the disturbed psyche which can usually be discovered lurking behind them.
Patrick Trevor-Roper
3 Park Square West, London NW1
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