458 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



ART AND EYESIGHT. 



By LUCIEN HOWE, M. D., 



MEMBER OF THE KOYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND. 



THERE was perhaps no more interesting object at the Colum- 

 bian Exposition, as an example of a developing appreciation, 

 than the typical Illinois farmer as he stood surprised and be- 

 wildered before some of the works of the modern school of painters. 

 His verdict in many instances was doubtless like that of the small 

 boy upon the decorative attempts of an artistic aunt when he 

 said, " It do look awful." Apparently the effect upon at least one 

 such visitor was even more appalling. Perhaps he had been 

 gazing at the various yearnings of the impressionists, or was lost 

 in the labyrinth of color, but at any rate he accosted a bystander 

 in hot haste with " Mister, can you tell me the handiest way to 

 get out of this 'ere place ? " If others were not in equal haste to 

 leave the place, they certainly went away questioning seriously 

 what causes had combined to produce some of the conspicuous 

 phases of modern art. Perhaps an explanation can be offered by 

 science. At least, when we examine into the subject we find that 

 the vision of artists is, as a rule, more imperfect than that of 

 other persons. Where this is a not natural defect, artists find it 

 convenient or necessary in their work to make their vision 

 purposely imperfect, and in consequence do not place on canvas 

 what the eye usually sees. Hence a discrepancy between Nature, 

 as seen by the ordinary observer, and its alleged representation 

 by some artists. 



the ideas of Bishop Wilberforce and Lord Chancellor Westbury, see H. D. Traill, The 

 New Lucian, first dialogue. For the cynical phrase referred to, see Nash, Life of Lord 

 Westbury-, vol. ii, p. 78, where the noted epitaph is given, as follows: 



" Richard Baron Westbury, 



Lord High Chancellor of England. 



He was an eminent Christian, 



An energetic and merciful Statesman, 



And a still more eminent and merciful Judge. 



During liis three years' tenure of office 



He abolished the ancient method of conveying land, 



The time-honored institution of the Insolvents' Court, 



And 



The Eternity of Punishment. 



Toward the close of his earthly career, 



In the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, 



He dismissed Hell with costs, 



And took away from Orthodox members of the 



Church of England 



Their last hope of everlasting damnation." 



