Visual Illusions: Their Causes, Characteristics and ApplicationsLuckiesh, Matthew
Science
Visual Illusions: Their Causes, Characteristics and Applications
Luckiesh, Matthew
Optical illusions
An after-image due to the stimulation of only one eye sometimes seems to
be seen by the other eye. Naturally this has given rise to the suggestion
that the seat of after-images is central rather than peripheral; that is,
in the brain rather than at the retina. However, this is not generally the
case and the experimental evidence weighs heavily against this conclusion.
If Fig. 52 is revolved about its center and fixated for some time striking
effects are obtained upon looking away suddenly upon any object. The
latter will appear to shrink if the spiral has seemed to run outward, or
to expand if the spiral has seemed to run inward. These are clearly
after-images of motion.
As stated elsewhere, we may have illusions of after-images as well as of
the original images. For example, if a clearly defined plane geometrical
figure such as a cross or square is bright enough to produce a strong
after-image, the latter when projected upon a perspective drawing will
appear distorted; that is, it is likely to appear in perspective.
A simple way of demonstrating after-images and their duration is to move
the object producing them. For example, extinguish a match and move the
glowing end. If observed carefully without moving the eye a bluish
after-image will be seen to follow the glowing end of the match. In this
case the eyes should be directed straight ahead while the stimulus is
moving and the observation must be made by averted or indirect vision.
_Growth and Decay of Sensation._--Although many after-images may not be
considered to be illusions in the sense in which the term is used here,
there are many illusions in which they at least play a part. Furthermore,
it is the intention throughout these chapters to adhere to a discussion of
"static" illusions, it is difficult to avoid touching occasionally upon
motion. The eyes are in motion most of the time, hence, certain effects of
an illusory nature may be superposed upon stationary objects.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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