VISION RESEARCH: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LABORATORY METHODS.

Abstract

One thing that is remarkable about this book is that no one has tried to produce a similar one before. Vision research is essentially a multidisciplinary activity embracing many aspects of science and technology. In the past, seminal contributions have arisen from individuals who had a fortuitous combination of knowledge, or from cross discipline co-operation. There has long been a need therefore for a basic text, which should provide an introduction to this multifaceted subject. Carpenter and Robson have attempted to fulfil this need with the co-operation of a dozen established researchers in the field. What they have provided is inevitably not a complete solution. It is, nevertheless, a book, which, to the beginner, is an invaluable source of information and to the experienced researcher is a reliable reminder of many of those things which one once knew but has temporarily forgotten or just neglected to learn. In the first chapter Makous reviews applications of optics and photometry, describing a useful range of components and techniques. Many relevant concepts, including transfer functions, Maxwellian view systems and optical relays are introduced and useful advice is given on divers aspects including the alignment of prisms and lenses, and checking linearity of photometric systems, particularly where flashes of light of short duration are concerned. In the second chapter, J. G. Robson provides an interesting review of light sources, which includes useful comments on the operation of the troublesome xenon flash tube, and the properties of light emitting diodes and ferroelectric shutters to provide visual stimuli. This is followed with a chapter by Tom Robson, …