Physical Effects Possibly Produced by Vision Observed by Dr. Russ

Abstract

THE rise and fall of scientific theories forms a topic for study almost as interesting as does the supersedence in history of one dynasty by another. Newton's corpuscular theory of light was displaced by the wave theory in much the same way as the teaching of Aristotle supplanted the older view of Plato—that in vision emanations proceed forth from the eye to strike the objects looked at. But just as modern physical research has revived certain aspects of the corpuscular theory, so the researches of Dr. C. Russ (“An Instrument which is Set in Motion by Vision or by Proximity of the Human Body,” Lancet, July 30, p. 222) have recalled to memory the views of Plato. For these researches have shown that certain instruments react when the human eye is directed at them.