Page:Philosophical Review Volume 2.djvu/114

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THE PHILOSOPHICAL REVIEW.
[Vol. II.

while it invalidates the distinction of ground-sensations. The apparently exceptional position of purple in the color-series is due solely to the arbitrary conditions of 'normal' dispersion. Since all component theories are merely mathematical schemata, the Helmholtz classification of color-vision under the heads of dichromatic and trichromatic must be given up: seeing persons are rather achromates, dichromates, or polychromates. (2) Diagnosis of color-blindness. Normal color-vision presents differences in different persons. The extent of the spectral colors is variously defined: the spectrum is of various length; the brightness-maximum is variously placed; there are differences between the two eyes. Color-blindness implies considerable deviation from the norm. To test it one may use (a) the pseudoisochromatic tables of Stilling (not certain); (b) the spectrum; (c) colored wools; (d) colored papers, employed directly or in top-mixtures; (e) colored flames; (f) colored glasses and combinations of gelatine sheets. It is best to submit the subject to all these tests. (3) Experimental results. (a) A bipolar system, with saturation-maxima in the position of (the normal) yellow and indigo-blue. Neutral line near E. (b) The color-series is interrupted at three points; pure yellow, blue-green, and purple give only the brightness-sensation. Brightness-maximum in the normal place. (c) Red-green blindness; the neutral line at λ=518. (d) A blue-yellow system, with unshortened spectrum, (e) Hereditary and monocular partial color-blindness. The color-series lacks the qualities violet, green, and yellow, and the transitions of these to neighboring qualities. A unique case. The color-blind eye sees everything brighter than the normal eye. This the author interprets to mean that in all instances, where no energy is expended in the excitation of a color-sensation, the whole stimulation- energy can be applied to the production of the brightness-sensation. The color-sensibility is apparently greater in indirect vision. (f) A case only different in degree from that just mentioned. (Subject brother of the last.) (g) A system which proves that the absence of a quality (in direct perception or as contrast) does not necessarily involve the absence of the opposite quality.

E. B. T.


Ueber die Schätzung kleiner Zeitgrössen. F. Schumann. Zeits. f. Psych, u. Phys. d. Sinn., IV, pp. 1-69.

(1) The psychological basis of the comparison of small time-magnitudes. 1. No adequate theory has as yet been propounded. The conscious content in question consists of the secondary impressions of expectation-strain and surprise. This is indicated both by the results of experiments with variously graduated series of metronome-beats and by contrast--