Retinal Structure and Colour Vision

Abstract

THE organ of sight continues to challenge imagination and experimental initiative and so maintains its position as one of the most fascinating living structures in existence, and at the same time the source of so much of our most important knowledge about life and matter. The list of British men of science who have made notable contributions to this field is as impressive as that of any other country. It begins with Newton, whose ideas inspired Thomas Young (according to the latter's own words). Brew-ster, Maxwell, Dalton, Lord Rayleigh made discoveries which are classical. From our own period one need but mention Adrian's brilliant pioneer work on optic nerve impulses, Lythgoe's discovery of transient orange, Stiles' of the directional sensitivity of the retina, and Wright's analysis of the fundamental trichromatic response curves to realize that the tradition is being maintained.

Retinal Structure and Colour Vision

A Restatement and an Hypothesis. By Dr. E. N. Willmer. Pp.xii + 231 + 4 plates. (Cambridge : At the University Press, 1946.) 21s. net.