Abstract
MR. BURKE'S observation regarding the reflexion from paper as viewed by the two eyes separately may have an explanation other than that suggested by Dr. Harrison (NATURE, May 30, p. 613). A simple comparator I have in use has magnesium carbonate block reflectors set substantially vertically and parallel to the plane of a large, tall window, so that these very excellent diffusing reflectors receive skylight at roughly 45° incidence. The light reflected normally is received on two first-surface mirrors arranged in a casing and viewed through a tube at one side, so that a square field divided by a barely perceptible vertical septum is observed. Customarily, this instrument is set up so that the observer has the window at his left-hand side. Thus the left eye is somewhat exposed to direct light from the window, whereas the right eye is appreciably protected by shadow thrown by the nose. On changing from left to right eye a distinct difference is noticed in the blueness or redness of any near-white field examined, and this is greatly reduced by placing a screen so as to prevent much light from the window striking the left eye.
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BOWEN, J. Reflexion from Paper. Nature 149, 733 (1942). https://doi.org/10.1038/149733a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/149733a0
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