Measurement of Resemblance

Abstract

AT the distance of a few scores of paces the human face appears to be a uniform reddish blur, with no separate features. On a nearer approach specks begin to be seen, corresponding to the eyes and mouth. These gradually increase in distinctness, until at about thirty paces the features become so clear that a hitherto unknown person could thereafter be recognised with some assurance. There is no better opportunity of observing the effects of distance in confounding human faces than by watching soldiers at a review. Their dress is alike, their pose is the same, the light falls upon them from the same direction, and they are often immovable for a considerable time. It is then noticeable how some faces appear indistinguishable at distances where great diversity is apparent in others, and the rudely-defined idea will be justified that the distance at which two faces are just mistakable for one another might serve as a trustworthy basis for the measurement of resemblance. The same may be said of obscurity, of confused refractions, and of turbid media; but in this letter I shall confine myself almost wholly to the effects of distance under the conditions of ample light and a transparent atmosphere. Beyond this I shall say nothing, except in one paragraph almost at the end.