On wounds from female eyes and Horse Guards (from Thomas de Quincey)

[Juan]

Hello,
I am reading the Thomas de Quincey's essay On War. Supposing the war could be abolished, he says: "Allowances for wounds cannot be thought of, when all wounds shall have ceased except those from female eyes-for which the Horse Guards is too little advanced in civilisation to make much allowance."
I don't understand: what does he mean by "wounds from female eyes"? Why is the Horse Guards too little advanced in civilisation to make allowance for it? Any help? Thanks

[Dreamwoven]

I think you would heave to be familiar with the whole essay to be able to understand an extract like that. :)

[Whifflingpin]

"Horse Guards" in this context refers to the officials of the War Office, situated in the Horse Guards building in London. Those administrators who, amongst other things, have to make provision for wounded servicemen would not be likely to recognise the wounds to the heart caused by the beauty of women.