Review of Sight

Abstract

Reviews the book "Sight, light, and efficiency" by W. C. Weston (1949). This English treatise is concerned mainly with illumination in relation to industrial and occupational efficiency. After preliminary attention to the sense of sight and causes and symptoms of eyestrain, consideration is given to occupational demands upon sight, the facilitation of visual tasks, lighting and visual efficiency, incentive luminance and color, testing vision, and protection of sight at work. There are many contributions in this book which may be cited with approval. The industrial psychologist, the illuminating engineer, and others interested in visual efficiency will find material of practical value. To a large degree the cited experimental data provide a sound basis for the conclusions presented. Methods of illuminating work objects are effectively described. The psychological feeling of well-being that comes with adequate illumination combined with desirable combinations of color and brightness of painting receives a desirable emphasis. For the most part, the schedule of recommended values of illumination are adequate in terms of experimental findings. Careful evaluation will raise questions on certain specific details. A few of these criticisms are detailed. Industrial psychologists and illumination engineers should welcome this well organized and well written book on the relation between illumination and visual efficiency. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)