XXXVIII.—On the Gradual Production of Luminous Impressions on the Eye, and, other Phenomena of Vision

Abstract

It is well known that a luminous object is seen for some time after its light has ceased to fall on the retina; but less attention seems to have been paid to the fact, that light requires a certain time to produce its full impression on the eye. Accordingly, while it is stated in most treatises on optics, that the sensation of vision continues after the action of light has ceased, only a few writers have mentioned that the total effect of light on the eye is not produced instantaneously, but that a certain time is required for its complete development.