XLII.—On the Conversion of Relief by Inverted Vision

Abstract

Under the name Conversion of Relief, an expression first used by Mr Wheatstone, I include all those optical illusions which take place in the vision of cameos and intaglios, of elevations and depressions, whether they are produced with opaque or transparent bodies,—on surfaces with or without shadows,—in reflected or transmitted light,—while using one or both eyes,—or by erect or inverted vision. In these various forms of the phenomenon, the illusion is modified by certain secondary causes, which were regarded both by Mr Wheatstone and myself as primary causes; so that we were led away, each in a different direction, from the right path of inquiry.