AN ADAPTATION-LIKE PHENOMENON OF ELECTRICALLY PRODUCED PHOSPHENES

Abstract

Repetitive stimuli with galvanic, faradic and sinusoidal currents give rise to a sensation of flickering phosphenes until the frequency is increased to a point usually not beyond 140 per sec., when sensation of light disappears. In a general way the strength of the stimulus is related to the point of disappearance of flicker, as is the strength to the duration of flicker. The phenomenon does not seem to be due to the character of the current, to fatigue or to apparent inhibition of Wedensky. It is probably the result of sensory adaptation in the optic nerve or sensory organs.