METHODS OF ESTIMATING THE EFFECTS OF MELANOPHORE CHANGES ON ANIMAL COLORATION

Abstract

The advantages of judging melanophore color changes by the eye in comparison with standard samples are pointed out. The defects of Sloam and Hogben''s method of arbitrary units are noticed. Attention is called to the methods of Spaeth (1913), of Hill, Parkinson, and Solandt (1935) and of Smith (1936) all of which are based upon absolute physical units. The partial inappropriateness of the criticisms of Wykes and of Neill of these methods are discussed. The technique of making permanent preparations of fish fins in different color states is described for the first time and the advantages of this method shown. Some defects of the measurement method for melanophores are pointed out. It is concluded, contrary to the statements by Neill (1940) and by Waring (1942), that no single method has such superiority over others that it can enjoy exclusive possession of the field.