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00221_Field_frep111.txt
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1996-12-30
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CONCLUSION
The subject of color vision
illustrates so well the
possibilities of understanding
otherwise quite mysterious
phenomena--the results of
color mixing or the constancy
of colors despite changes in the
light source--by using a
combination of psychophysical
and neurophysiological
methods. For all their
complexity, the problems
presented by color are probably
simpler than those presented by
form. Despite all the
orientation-specific and end-
stopped cells, we are still a long
way from understanding our
ability to recognize shapes, to
distinguish shapes from their
background, or to interpret
three dimensions from the flat
pictures presented to each of
our eyes. To compare the
modalities of color and form at
all may itself be misleading:
remember that differences in
color at borders without any
differences in luminous
intensity, can lead to
perception of shapes. Thus
color, like black and white, is
just one means by which shapes
manifest themselves.