Written by one of the pioneers in visual perception, Seeing provides an overview of the basics of sight, from the anatomy of the eye, to optical illusions, to the way neural systems process visual signs. To help readers better appreciate the most-used of our five senses, Tom Cornsweet describes the early physical and physiological processes that occur in human vision in relation to the forces of evolution. He also includes answers to common questions about vision—including those that many of us ask during a visit to an eye doctor—to illustrate how the study of vision can provide a better understanding of one’s everyday relationship with sight.
Seeing How Light Tells Us About the World
About the Book
Reviews
“One of the things I like about Tom Cornsweet’s writing is that I feel I am on a journey with him. Rather than ‘lecturing’ us about the correct answers to questions, he guides us through the complexities and challenges of understanding vision.” —David Kreiner, University of Central Missouri“Cornsweet explains very complex concepts in a manner that is easy to understand. He builds great analogies for the intricate processes of seeing.” —Laura Edelman, Muhlenberg College
Table of Contents
Preface
1. Our Idea of the Physical World
2. The Basic Anatomy of the Eye
3. How Photoreceptors Sense Light
4. Seeing Things That Aren’t There
5. Not Seeing Things That Are There
6. Brightness Constancy
7. Why the Rate Of Unbleaching Is Important
8. A Little Optics
9. Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, Opticians: What They Do
10. Color Vision
11. Actually Seeing and Not Seeing: Neural Mechanisms
Epilogue
Appendix: Refraction by Waves
Selected Bibliography
Index