The author argues that Michael Polanyi's philosophy of science can be understood as an (unconscious) attempt to recapture elements of experience largely forgotten or repressed in modernity. Specifically, the author argues that Polanyi's epistemology appears to draw on elements of oral-aural experience that have been relatively ignored by the…

We frequently encounter groups of similar objects in our visual environment: a bed of flowers, a basket of oranges, a crowd of people. How does the visual system process such redundancy? Research shows that rather than code every element in a texture, the visual system favors a summary statistical representation of all the elements. The authors…

Discusses neural activity and stimulation crucial in fetal brain development and the formation of the mind. Focuses on activity-dependent remodeling related to development of the visual system and retinal activity. (MCO)

This review of the literature examines the effects of blue light (or near UV - ultraviolet), especially that given off by black-light tubes, often used with children with visual impairments. It finds a long-term danger of retinal and lens damage and offers six practical suggestions which emphasize using proper filters and limiting exposure to…

In addition to their restricted peripheral fields, persons with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) report significant problems seeing in low levels of illumination, which causes difficulty with night travel. Several devices have been developed to support the visual needs of persons who have night blindness. These devices include wide-angle flashlights,…

In order to judge or design the lighting of an interior a person must be able to understand and take into account many aspects of seeing and illumination. Important areas of consideration are--(1) factors that contribute to the visibility of an object: size, brightness, contrast, and time, (2) radiant energy with regard to the visible spectrums of…

This interim report informs the eventual user of the direction of the long-term program; specific criteria are not provided. Five current guidelines in lighting practice were disavowed as follows--(1) that low levels of illumination cause organic harm to the eyes, (2) that the footcandle is the best criterion for determining the proper…

Discusses research undertaken to determine recommended levels of lighting for effective seeing. Factors considered include age, veiling reflections, brightness differences, glare, and pleasantness. Also points out some common lighting practices that are wasteful and inefficient and suggests alternatives. (DN)

The author describes potential problems in the classroom use of distance low vision aids (including the ring telescope and closed circuit television) with visually impaired children 5-13 years old, and emphasizes the need for cooperation between the teacher and the prescribing physician. (CL)

The role of reflected glare and visual viewing angles in near task performance is discussed, and following statements are reported--(1) a worker at a desk normally assumes a position in which his eyes traverse an area of work extending from a point approximately vertically below his eyes to a point not more than 40 degrees from the vertical, (2) a…

Provides information to identify and implement the key characteristics which contribute to an efficient and comfortable visual display unit (VDU) lighting installation. Areas addressed include VDU lighting requirements, glare, lighting controls, VDU environment, lighting retrofit, optical filters, and lighting recommendations. A checklist to…

Discusses physiological and psychological aspects of color. Includes guidelines for using color effectively, especially in the development of computer programs. Indicates that if applied with its limitations and requirements in mind, color can be a powerful manipulator of attention, memory, and understanding. (Author/JN)

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of three variables on the perception of the psychophysical phenomenon of flicker in wide angle cathode ray tube (CRT) displays. The three independent variables treated in the experiment were: 3, 6, and 9 foot-lambers (FL) illumination levels; four images, three static and one dynamic; and 26…

Reviews the research on the harmful effects of reading from a horizontal surface. Urges educators to teach children proper body-book position and, where possible, to supply book holders. (ARH)

This compilation is a survey of the literature pertinent to the design of lighting for educational facilities. The contents are selected to be an overview of the topic while maintaining a technical level comprehensible to the layman concerned with school planning and design. The general subject areas are--(1) the visual and lighted environment as…