A Color Notation: A measured color system, based on the three qualities Hue, Value and ChromaMunsell, A. H. (Albert Henry)
Science
A Color Notation: A measured color system, based on the three qualities Hue, Value and Chroma
Munsell, A. H. (Albert Henry)
Color
The attempt to express color relations by using merely two dimensions,
or two definite characteristics, can never lead to a successful system.
For this reason alone the system proposed by Mr. Munsell, with its three
dimensions of hue, value, and chroma, is a decided step in advance over
any previous proposition. By means of these three dimensions it is
possible to completely express any particular color, and to
differentiate it from colors ordinarily classed as of the same
general character.
The expression of the essential characteristics of a color is, however,
not all that is necessary. There must be some accurate and not too
complicated system for duplicating these characteristics, one which
shall not alter with time or place, and which shall be susceptible of
easy and accurate redetermination. From the teaching standpoint also a
logical and sequential development is absolutely essential. This Mr.
Munsell seems to have most successfully accomplished.
In the determination of his relationships he has made use of distinctly
scientific methods, and there seems no reason why his suggestions should
not lead to an exact and definite system of color essentials. The
Munsell photometer, which is briefly referred to, is an instrument of
wide range, high precision, and great sensitiveness, and permits the
valuations which are necessary in his system to be accurately made. We
all appreciate the necessity for some improvement in our ideas of color,
and the natural inference is that the training should be begun in early
youth. The present system in its modified form possesses elements of
simplicity and attractiveness which should appeal to children, and give
them almost unconsciously a power of discrimination which would prove of
immense value in later life. The possibilities in this system are very
great, and it has been a privilege to be allowed during the past few
years to keep in touch with its development. I cannot but feel that we
have here not only a rational color nomenclature, but also a system of
scientific importance and of practical value.
H. E. CLIFFORD.
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,
February, 1905.
CONTENTS.
Introduction By Professor Clifford.
Part I.
Chapter Paragraph
I. COLOR NAMES: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple 1
Appendix I.--Misnomers for Color.
II. COLOR QUALITIES: Hue, Value, Chroma 20
Appendix II.--Scales of Hue, Value, and Chroma.
III. COLOR MIXTURE: A Tri-Dimensional Balance 54
Appendix III.--False Color Balance.
IV. PRISMATIC COLORS 87
Appendix IV.--Children’s Color Studies.
V. THE PIGMENT COLOR SPHERE: TRUE COLOR BALANCE 102
Appendix V.--Schemes based on Brewster’s Theory.
VI. COLOR NOTATION: A Written Color System 132
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account