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XVII. On an Anomalous Case of Vision with regard to Colours

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 January 2013

Extract

As the following anomalous case relating to the vision of colours, appears to possess some remarkable peculiarities, I have considered it of sufficient importance to be submitted to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

J. B., aged 60 years, served in early life an apprenticeship to a farmer; but, disliking agricultural pursuits, became a tailor, and afterwards entered into the Navy, and served in several general actions. After quitting the sea-service, he resumed his trade, and in the employment of which he now continues. From his childhood, it appears, he was unable to point out colours by their proper names; or, excepting in a few cases, to distinguish one colour from another. From the nature of his avocation, this circumstance must have often been to him the source of much inconvenience; and during his whole life, he has found the utmost embarrassment from it.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1826

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References

page 255 note * In one of Dr Nicholls' cases, published in the Medico-Chirargical Transactions, the following anomalous circumstance is recorded. “Charles was in the “ Navy, and, several years ago, he purchased a blue uniform coat and waistcoat, “ with red breeches to match the blue.”

page 257 note * Mr Dalton, in vol. v. p. 33. of the Manchester Transactions, remarks, that, in his own case, blood appears not unlike bottle-green; and, it is worthy of notice, that, in the present case, it was termed, “not a black, but nearly so.”

page 259 note * A philosophical friend who was present, placed the colours under several different circumstances, but with the same uniformity of effect.

page 261 note * The point where this change appeared to take place, with respect to blue, was between ultramarine and flax-flower blue, corresponding to 28. and 29. of Syme.