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XVII. On an Anomalous Case of Vision with regard to Colours. 

 By GEORGE HARVEY, ESQ. F. R. S. E. 



(Read January 19. 



As the following anomalous case relating to the vision of co- 

 lours, appears to possess some remarkable peculiarities, I have 

 considered it of sufficient importance to be submitted to the 

 Royal Society of Edinburgh. 



J. B., aged 60 years, served in early life an apprenticeship 

 to a farmer ; but, disliking agricultural pursuits, became a tailor, 

 and afterwards entered into the Navy, and served in several ge- 

 neral actions. After quitting the sea-service, he resumed his 

 trade, and in the employment of which he now continues. From 

 his childhood, it appears, he was unable to point out colours by 

 their proper names ; or, excepting in a few cases, to distinguish 

 one colour from another. From the nature of his avocation, this 

 circumstance must have often been to him the source of much 

 inconvenience ; and during his whole life, he has found the ut- 

 most embarrassment from it. He has remarked, that his inabi- 

 lity of distinguishing colours, has cut him off from the enjoy- 

 ment of many innocent and harmless pleasures. If a painting 

 were placed before him, abounding with the most beautiful va- 

 rieties of colour, it would only present a dull and cloudy 

 appearance ; and hence he has never made a practice of stop- 

 ping at print-shops, or of visiting any scenic representations. 

 In early life, he once visited a panoramic exhibition, and he re- 

 marked, that his mortification was extreme, when he found every 

 one around him delighted with the splendour of the scenes; 



