| The phenomena most intimately involved with vision were those of light. Indeed, the distinction between light and sight was not seriously entertained until Kepler described the optical properties of the eye, early in the seventeenth century. Before Kepler, vision was essential to optics, and disorders of vision provided materials for medicine. Accordingly, histories of optics and ophthalmology have focused on vision during their early phases, but have tended to subordinate it when either the physical nature of light was established or the dioptrics, anatomy, and physiology of the eye were better understood. Interpretations of the perceptual process continue to evolve and the present survey will consider developments in the twentieth century as well as those from earlier times.
The book reflects various strands of historical reseach in perception that have excited my interest. These interests have been shared with others, to whom thanks are due. Mike Swanston, Mike Cowles, Hiro Ono, Helen Ross, Stan Finger, Dieter Heller, Ben Tatler, Frans Verstraten, and Alan Wilkes have all helped to shape my thoughts regarding historical issues. The errors that survived their shaping should not, of course, be associated with them but must reflect my reluctance to follow more appropriate lines of enquiry. My greatest support has derived from my wife, Christine. However, it is not to her that the book is dedicated, but to our two new grandchildren born during its writing. |