628 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1914. 
of impaired vision is attributable to improper illumination, that is to say, to the 
misuse of light? 
“Physiologists tell us that the human eye is naturally adapted for distant vision; 
that when focused upon nearby objects, as in most of the work in which it is applied 
in our modern life, the muscles are contracted and the focal mechanism of the eye 
is subjected to strain. They tell us also that, just as children are physically, intel- 
lectually, and morally more susceptible and pliant than adults, so the visual organs 
of childrea are delicate and especially liable to injury if used under adverse condi- 
tions. In modern life children are called upon for a large amount of home work in 
connection with the school systems. ‘This involves application of the eyes in exact- 
ing near vision to which they are not naturally adapted, and at a time of life in which 
they are peculiarly liable to injury. When to these untoward conditions there is 
added that of poor illumination, is it any wonder that we are becoming a bespectacled 
race? Of these conditions which operate against ocular welfare some may be beyond 
our control, but that of poor illumination is a menace for the existence of which 
there is no excuse, since the remedy is understood and is available to all. 
“Tight has a marked bearing upon the usefulness of our lives. Artificial light 
extends the hours in which we may labor. It makes possible intellectual improve- 
ment; it permits added achievement; it makes actual life of 50 years equivalent to 
a much longer life in the period antedating the perfection of our modern light sources. 
Yet, though these statements are in general correct, it remains true that the precise 
measure of added usefulness which artificial light makes possible depends upon the 
merits of the illumination. With good illumination one may labor to better effect, 
may produce more largely, and the product will be more nearly perfect than with 
poor illumination. These facts may be applied to the industries and to the arts, to 
manufacture, to the pursuit of knowledge, or to the development of artistic talent. 
‘Artificial light is an important factor in promoting happiness. In extending the 
hours of activity beyond those which are ordinarily devoted to the duties of life, it 
affords opportunity for the pursuit of pleasure. Light reveals the beauties of nature 
and of art, whether it be sculpture, painting, or architecture. It is particularly 
important in the home where so much effort is expended for the comfort and pleasure 
of the family. Few homes are so humble but that some effort is made to render 
them attractive. The home usually reflects in its decorations the personality of the 
home maker, and, within the limits of the tastes and means of the family, attempt 
is generally made to render it homelike and charming. Much of the beauty and 
charm are lost in the evening if the rooms are not properly illuminated.’’! 
Considering the immense importance of artificial illumination as a 
factor in the progress of the country, every advance in the science 
of illumination, every improvement in the materials of illumination, 
and all progress in the art has a special significance—even a minor 
improvement in materials or in the science may have a large general 
influence if embodied in standard practice. It is therefore of inter- 
est to consider the improvements which have been brought about in 
the recent past, the discrepancy between some of the present prac- 
tice and the best that the art affords, and the opportunity which 
each one of us has to influence one or more lighting installations for 
good. Considering the importance of the subject and the progress 
being made, it 1s a gratifymg task to undertake to report upon 
recent developments, even though such report is recognized as being 
but little more than suggestive as to the facts. 
1 Mrs, P. 8S. Millar, Froebel Society, Brooklyn, November, 1913. 
