LXXXVII
a small spot on the nose seems to be so large). With respect
to the distance we conclude: the more distinct and the larger
an object the nearer it is, and the more objects between us and
the object in view the more distant it is. Also the angle form
ed by the axis of our eyes, whilst fixed upon an object, is taken
into consideration. No. XXX. (A village seems to be nearer, when
the fields are covered with snow; it is easier to throw a stone
over a field than over a river of the same breadth; the peaks
of a mountain-range seem to be at the same distance; the
sun and the moon seem to be larger whilst rising and setting.)
Remark. 1. A great many optical deceptions prove, that the concep
tion, which our mind forms of the things looked at, and these things them
selves are not congruous with each other. Take a dose of santonine and
everything looks yellow, as this substance colours the serum of our blood,
also that contained in the retina. 386.
Remark. 2. That the process of seeing is assisted and influenced by
man's reason, may also be proved by the fact, that animals, although their
visual sense is sharper than that of man, see not as well as he, f.e., if the
hunter stands quiet, the game will look at him. but not recognise him (what
is the truth and error in saying: “Nihil est intellectu, quod non antea
fuit in sensu”?). After having seen, that this our eye is the most perfect
optical instrument, are we not right in saying, that the opinion, which
regards this most wonderful work as either the product of dead matter or
of a blind chance, is simply absurd: “He that formed the eye, shall he
not see?”
§ 217. Although we have two eyes we fix them on the same
object (Binocular vision). 389. It has not yet been satisfactorily
explained, why we see objects not reversed although an inverted
image is formed on the retina. Habit, the regular education of
the eye, correction by other senses and other suggestions will
not do. Müller and Volkmann contend, that as terms of com
parison cannot be applied (everything being inverted), nothing
will appear inverted!
§ 218. 7) The Steroscope. The two images on the retina of
