Colour Vision: Being the Tyndall Lectures Delivered in 1894 at the Royal Institution

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book comprises a series of lectures that focus on the topic of colour vision, discussing the physiological and physical aspects of how humans perceive color, as well as exploring theories of color blindness. It aims to clarify the underlying mechanisms of color perception through a range of experiments and theoretical discussions. The opening of the book sets the stage for in-depth exploration of color vision, starting with a discussion of the anatomy of the eye, particularly the role of the retina in color perception. Abney introduces key components, such as the macula lutea and the fovea centralis, explaining their significance in the perception of colors and light. He emphasizes the complexity of color vision and the varying brightness and hues perceived due to the physiological characteristics of different parts of the retina, laying the groundwork for subsequent chapters that delve into more intricate experiments and theories regarding color vision and color blindness.