Skip to main content

Part of the book series: Handbook of Sensory Physiology ((1536,volume 7 / 3 / 3 A))

Abstract

Color vision has captivated the interest of innumerable people, both amateurs and visual scientists, in the three hundred years since Newton reported his “New Theory about Light and Colours” to the Royal Society. Thousands of psychophysical experiments studying the effects of numerous variables on human color perception have provided us with a rich legacy of knowledge about how the visual system as a whole deals with wavelength information. Despite the fact that one of the principal goals of most visual physiologists is to understand visual behavior on the basis of the physiology of the visual system, there are a surprising number of misconceptions about color vision.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Abramov, I.: Further analysis of the responses of LGN cells. J. Opt. Soc. Amer. 58, 574–579 (1968).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alpern, M., Campbell, F.W.: The behavior of the pupil during dark-adaptation. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 165, 5–7 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, V.O., Buchmann, B., Lennox-Buchthal,M.A.: Single cortical units with narrow spectral sensitivity in monkey (Cercocebus torquatus atys). Vision Res. 2, 295–307 (1962).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, K. V., Symmes, D.: The superior colliculus and higher visual functions in the monkey. Brain Res. 13, 37–52 (1969).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, H.B.: Summation and inhibition in the frog’s retina. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 119, 69–88 (1953).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, H.B. Sparrock, J.M.B.: The role of afterimages in dark adaptation. Science 144, 1309–1341 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baumgartner, G.: Die Reaktionen der Neurone des zentralen visuellen Systems der Katze im simultanen Helligkeitskontrast. In: Jung, R., Kornhuber, H. H. (Eds.): The Visual System: Neurophysiology and Psychophysics. Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumgartner, G., Hakas, P.: Reaktionen einzelner Opticusneurone und corticaler Nervenzellen der Katze im Hell-Dunkel-Grenzfeld (Simultankontrast). Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 270, 29 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  • Blackwell, H. R., Blackwell, O.M.: Rod and cone receptor mechanisms in typical and atypical congenital achromatopsia. Vision Res. 1, 62–107 (1961).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boles, J.: Colour and contour detection by cells representing the fovea in monkey striate cortex. Paper presented at first annual meeting, Society for Neuroscience, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boynton, R.M., Gordon, J.: Bezold-Brücke hue shift measured by color-naming techniques. J. Opt. Soc. Amer. 55, 78–86 (1965).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brindley, G.S.: Physiology of the retina and the visual pathway. London: Edward Arnold 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R.H.: Bright visibility curve of the rabbit. J. gen. Physiol. 17, 323–338 (1937).

    Google Scholar 

  • Burkhardt, D. A., Riggs, L.A.: Modification of the human visual evoked potential by mono-chromatic backgrounds. Vision Res. 7, 453–459 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, F. J. J.: Further studies of extra-foveal colour metrics. Optica Acta 10, 257–284 (1963)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Daw, N.W.: Goldfish retina: organization for simultaneous color contrast. Science 158, 942– 944 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Daw, N.W.: Colour-coded ganglion cells in the goldfish retina: extensions of their receptive fields by means of new stimuli. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 197, 567–592 (1968).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. L.: Color vision mechanisms in the monkey. J. gen. Physiol. 43, 115–128 (1960a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. L. In: Mechanisms of Colour Discrimination. London: Pergamon Press 1960b, 111–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. L. Analysis and coding of color vision in the primate visual system. Cold Spr. Harb. Symp. quant. Biol. 80, 567–579 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. L. Physiological basis of color vision. Tagungsbericht Internationale Farbtagung Color 69, Stockholm, 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. L. Abramov, I., Jacobs, G.H.: Analysis of response patterns of LGN cells. J. Opt. Soc. Amer. 56, 966–977 (1966).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. L. Abramov, I., Mead, W.R.: Single cell analysis of wavelength discrimination at the lateral geniculate nucleus in the macaque. J. Neurophysiol. 30, 415–433 (1967).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Jacobs, G.H.: Primate color vision. Science 162, 533–540 (1968).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Jacobs, G.H. Abramov, I.: Responses of single cells in visual system to shifts in the wavelength of light. Science 146, 1184–1186 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Jacobs, G.H. Jones, A. E.: Responses of single cells in primate red-green color vision system. Optik 20, 87–98 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Jacobs, G.H. Jones, A.E.: Single-cell analysis of the organization of the primate color-vision system. In: Jung, R., Kornhuber, H.H. (Eds.): The Visual System: Neurophysiology and Psychophysics. Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Marrocco, R. T.: Single cell analysis of saturation discrimination in the macaque. Vision Res. 13, 701–711 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Pease, P. L.: Contours and contrast: responses of monkey lateral geniculate nucleus cells to luminance and color figures. Science 171, 694–696 (1971).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Smith, C. J., Kitai, S.T., Karoly, A.J.: Responses of single cells in different layers of the primate lateral geniculate nucleus to monochromatic light. Science 127, 238–239 (1958).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devalois, R. Walraven, J.: Monocular and binocular aftereffects of chromatic adaptation. Science 155, 463–465 (1967).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dowling, J.E.: Structure and function in the all-cone retina of the ground squirrel. In: The physiological basis for form discrimination. Symposium at Brown University, Providence, R. I., 17–23 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gestrin, P. J., Teller, D.Y.: Interocular hue shifts and pressure blindness. Vision Res. 9, 1267–1271 (1969).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gouras, P.: Primate retina: duplex function of dark adapted ganglion cells. Science 147, 1593–1594 (1965).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gouras, P. Identification of cone mechanisms in monkey ganglion cells. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 199, 533– 547 (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gouras, P. Trichromatic mechanisms in single cortical neurons. Science 169, 489–492 (1970).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gouras, P. Link, K.: Rod and cone interaction in dark-adapted monkey ganglion cells. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 184, 499–510 (1966).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Granit, R.: Sensory mechanisms of the retina: London: Oxford University Press 1947.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gross, C.G., Bender, D.B., Rocha-Miranda, C.E.: Visual receptive fields of neurons in the inferotemporal cortex of monkey. Science 166, 1303–1306 (1969).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Helson, H.: Studies of anomalous contrast and assimilation. J. Opt. Soc. Amer. 53, 179–184 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hering, E.: Zur Lehre vom Lichtsinne. Wien: Karl Gerolds Sohn 1878.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill, R.M.: Unit responses of the rabbit lateral geniculate nucleus to monochromatic light on the retina. Science 135, 98–99 (1962).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hill, R.M. Marg, E.: Single-cell responses of the nucleus of the transpeduncular tract in rabbit to monochromatic light on the retina. J. Neurophysiol. 26, 249–257 (1963).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hubel, D.H., Wiesel, T.N.: Receptive fields of single neurones in the cat’s striate cortex. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 148, 574–591 (1959).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hubel, D.H., Wiesel, T.N.: Receptive fields of optic nerve fibers in the spider monkey. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 154, 572–580 (1960).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hubel, D.H., Wiesel, T.N.: Integrative action in the cat’s lateral geniculate body. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 155, 385–398

    Google Scholar 

  • Hubel, D.H., Wiesel, T.N.: Receptive fields, binocular interaction and functional architecture in the cat’s visual cortex. J. Physiol. (Lond). 160, 106–154 (1962).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hubel, D.H., Wiesel, T.N.: Receptive fields and functional architecture of monkey striate cortex. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 195, 215–243 (1968).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey, N. K.: Responses to visual stimuli of units in the superior colliculus of rats and monkeys. Exp. Neurol. 20, 312–340 (1968).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hurvich, L.M., Jameson, D.: An opponent-process theory of color vision. Psychol. Rev. 64, 384–404 (1957).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, G.H.: Spectral sensitivity and color vision of the squirrel monkey. J. comp. physiol. 56, 616–621 (1963).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, G.H. DeValois, R. L.: Chromatic opponent cells in squirrel monkey lateral geniculate nucleus. Nature (Lond.) 206, 487–489 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, G.H. Gaylord, H. A.: Effects of chromatic adaptation on color naming. Vision Res. 7, 645–653 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, G.H. Yolton, R.L.: Distribution of excitation and inhibition in receptive fields of lateral geniculate neurones. Nature (Lond.) 217, 187–188 (1968).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, G.H. Yolton, R.L. Visual sensitivity and color vision in ground squirrel. Vision Res. 11, 511–537 (1971).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobson, M.: Spectral sensitivity of single units in the optic tectum of the goldfish. Quart. J. exp. Physiol. 49, 384–393 (1964).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Judd, D.B.: Color perceptions of deuteranopic and protanopic observers. J. Res. nat. Bur. Stand. 41, 247–271 (1948).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kadoya, S., Massopust, L.C., JR.: Unit activity in the extrageniculate striate system of the squirrel monkey. Anat. Rec. 166, 327 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  • Klüver, H.: Visual functions after removal at the occipital lobes. J. Psychol. 11, 23–45 (1941).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Konig, A.: Über „Blaublindheit“. Sitzb. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, 718–731 (1897).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuffler, S.W.: Discharge patterns and functional organization of mammalian retina. J. Neurophysiol. 16, 37–68 (1953).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lennox-Buchthal, M. A.: Some findings on central nervous system organization with respect to color. In: Jung, R., Kornhuber, H. H. (Eds.): The Visual System: Neurophysiology and Psychophysics. Berlin-Gottingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lennox-Buchthal, M. A. Single units in monkey, Cercocebus torquatus atys, cortex with narrow spectral responsiveness. Vision Res. 2, 1–15 (1962).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lie, I.: Dark adaptation and the photochromatic interval. Doc. Ophthalm. 17, 411–510 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marks, W.B.: Visual pigments of single goldfish cones. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 178, 14–32 (1965).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marks, W.B. Dobelle, W.H., MacNichol, E.F., JR.: Visual pigments of single primate cones. Science 143, 1181–1183 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marrocco, R.T.: Maintained discharge characteristics and receptive field organization of optic tract fibers and LGN cells in the monkey. In preparation. (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Massopust, L.C., Jr., Wolin, L.R., Kadoya, S.: Differential color responses in the visual cortex of the squirrel monkey. Vision Res. 9, 465–474 (1969).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mead, W.R.: Analysis of the receptive field organization of macaque lateral geniculate nucleus cells. Doctoral dissertation, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, D.R., Miles, R.C., Ratoosh, P.: Absence of color vision in cat. J. Neurophysiol. 17, 289–294 (1954).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Michael, C.R.: Receptive fields of single optic nerve fibers in a mammal with an all-cone retina. Ill: Opponent color units. J. Neurophysiol. 31, 268–282 (1968).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Michael, C.R. Dual opponent-color cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the ground squirrel. J. Amer. Physiol. 57, 254 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  • Motokawa, K., Taira, N., Okuda, J.: Spectral responses of single units in the primate visual cortex. Tohoku J. exp. Med. 78, 320–327 (1962).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pearlman, A.L., Daw, N.W.: Opponent color cells in the cat lateral geniculate nucleus. Science 167, 84–86 (1970).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pettigrew, J.D., Nikara, T., Bishop, P.O.: Responses to moving slits by single units in cat striate cortex. Exp. Brain Res. 6, 373–390 (1968).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pitt, F.H.G.: The nature of normal trichromatic and dichromatic vision. Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. 1328, 101–117 (1944).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poggio, G.F., Mansfield, R. J. W., Sillito, A.M.: Functional properties of neurons in the striate cortex of the macaque monkey subserving the foveal region of the retina. Paper presented at first annual meeting. Society for Neuroscience 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polson, M.C.: Spectral sensitivity and color vision in Tupaia glis. Doctoral dissertation, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (1968).

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyak, S.: The retina. Chicago: University of Chicago Press 1941.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polyak, S. The vertebrate visual system. Chicago: University of Chicago Press 1957.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodieck, R.W., Stone, J.: Analysis of receptive fields of cat retinal ganglion cells. J. Neuro-physiol. 28, 833–849 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rushton, W.A.H.: A cone pigment in the protanope. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 168, 345–359 (1963).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rushton, W.A.H. A foveal pigment in the deuteranope. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 170, 24–37 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sechzer, J.A., Brown, J.L.: Color discrimination in the cat. Science 144, 427–429 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shipley, T., Jones, R.W., Fry, A.: Evoked visual potentials and human color vision. Science 150, 1162–1164 (1965).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, M., Killackey, H., Diamond, I.T.: Color vision in the tree shrew after removal of the posterior neocortex. J. Neurophysiol. 32, 554–563.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stiles, W.L.: Colour vision: the approach through increment threshold sensitivity. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 45, 100–114 (1959).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Svaetichin, G.: Spectral response curves from single cones. Acta physiol. scand. 39, (Suppl. 134), 17–46 (1956).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Svaetichin, G. MacNichol, E.F., JR.: Retinal mechanisms for chromatic and achromatic vision. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 74, 385–404 (1958).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, H.G., MacNichol, E.F., Wolbarsht, M.L.: Functional basis for “on” center and “off” center receptive fields in the retina. J. Opt. Soc. Amer. 53, 66–70 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wald, G.: The receptors of human color vision. Science 145, 1007–1016 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weiskrantz, L.: Contour discrimination in a young monkey with striate cortex ablation. Neuropsychologia 1, 145–164 (1963).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Westheimer, G., Campbell, F.W.: Light distribution in the image formed by the living human eye. J. Opt. Soc. Amer. 52, 1040–1045 (1962).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wiesel, T.N.: Receptive fields of ganglion cells in the cat’s retina. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 153, 583–594 (1960).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wiesel, T.N. Hubel, D.H.: Spatial and chromatic interactions in the lateral geniculate body of the rhesus monkey. J. Neurophysiol. 29, 1115–1156 (1966).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Willmer, E.N.: A physiological basis for human color vision in the central fovea. Doc. Ophthalm. 9. 235–313 (1955).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolin, L.R., Massopust, L.C., Jr., Meder, J.: Differential color responses from the superior colliculus of squirrel monkeys. Vision Res. 6, 637–644 (1966).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, W.D.: Researches on normal and defective colour vision. London: Henry Kempton 1947.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yitnd, E.W.: A physiological model of color and brightness contrast. Doctoral dissertation, Northeastern University, Boston. Massachusetta (1970).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Richard Jung

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1973 Springer-Verlag, Berlin · Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

De Valois, R.L. (1973). Central Mechanisms of Color Vision. In: Jung, R. (eds) Central Processing of Visual Information A: Integrative Functions and Comparative Data. Handbook of Sensory Physiology, vol 7 / 3 / 3 A. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65352-0_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65352-0_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-65354-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-65352-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics