Review of: Le mécanisme de la vision des couleurs

Reviews "Le mecanisme de la vision des couleurs," by J. Segal . Visual specialists for the most part still subscribe to the classical trichromatic conception with regard to the color mechanism, even though recent evidence concerning the nature of the retina and the involved neural functions seemingly has failed to narrow the gap that long has existed between fact and theory in vision. After many years of intensive study and experimentation, Segal presents in this work his own constructive formulation, along with the arguments that are associated with its development. Although the new theory is cast in the familiar trichromatic mold, he breaks sharply from conventional thinking in regard to the details of visual physiology. Divesting himself of prevailing conventions, he envisages the mechanism underlying color in terms of essentially new relationships. The logical reasoning on which the new prospect of the mechanics of color is based is worked out in considerable detail and in relation to much of the relevant knowledge that steadily has been accumulating. In a thoroughly scholarly manner, Segal has presented what amounts to a simplification of the physiological mechanics of color vision. Whether the new prospect is confirmed in its entirety, or in part only, he has made a contribution to the psychophysiology of color that is bound to serve as the basis for further critical studies designed to come more closely to grips with the true nature of the color mechanism.