The Meaning Of A Moment : An Analysis Of The Photomicrographs Of Dr. Max Poser In Response To Their Physical Location And Trajectory

Dr. Max Poser was a researcher, scientist, and lecturer in the fields of ophthalmology and physiological optics at the New York based optics company, Bausch & Lomb. This thesis examines a group of his silver gelatin photographs located at George Eastman House and compares this series of 1930s photomicrographs to other images by Dr. Poser at the Bausch & Lomb archive. This thesis contextualizes the photographs within the history of photomicrography, the biography of Dr. Poser, and his work at Bausch & Lomb to understand why these photographs were made. Several of these photomicrographs were exhibited and published before arriving at the museum, and these frameworks show how the usage of a photograph can change how it is understood. Finally, the thesis examines the physical locations where each of the objects is kept and how those locations generate different connotations that reflect the mission of each institution.

The Meaning Of A Moment : An Analysis Of The Photomicrographs Of Dr. Max Poser In Response To Their Physical Location And Trajectory

Dr. Max Poser was a researcher, scientist, and lecturer in the fields of ophthalmology and physiological optics at the New York based optics company, Bausch & Lomb. This thesis examines a group of his silver gelatin photographs located at George Eastman House and compares this series of 1930s photomicrographs to other images by Dr. Poser at the Bausch & Lomb archive. This thesis contextualizes the photographs within the history of photomicrography, the biography of Dr. Poser, and his work at Bausch & Lomb to understand why these photographs were made. Several of these photomicrographs were exhibited and published before arriving at the museum, and these frameworks show how the usage of a photograph can change how it is understood. Finally, the thesis examines the physical locations where each of the objects is kept and how those locations generate different connotations that reflect the mission of each institution.

A Hierarchical View of Gecko Locomotion: Photic Environment, Physiological Optics, and Locomotor Performance

Terrestrial animals move in complex habitats that vary over space and time. The characteristics of these habitats are not only defined by the physical environment, but also by the photic environment, even though the latter has largely been overlooked. For example, numerous studies of have examined the role of habitat structure, such as incline, perch diameter, and compliance, on running performance. However, running performance likely depends heavily on light level. Geckos are an exceptional group for analyzing the role of the photic environment on locomotion as they exhibit several independent shifts to diurnality from a nocturnal ancestor, they are visually-guided predators, and they are extremely diverse. Our initial goal is to discuss the range of photic environments that can be encountered in terrestrial habitats, such as day versus night, canopy cover in a forest, fog, and clouds. We then review the physiological optics of gecko vision with some new information about retina structures, the role of vision in motor-driven behaviors, and what is known about gecko locomotion under different light conditions, before demonstrating the effect of light levels on gecko locomotor performance. Overall, we highlight the importance of integrating sensory and motor information and establish a conceptual framework as guide for future research. Several future directions, such as understanding the role of pupil dynamics, are dependent on an integrative framework. This general framework can be extended to any motor system that relies on sensory information, and can be used to explore the impact of performance features on diversification and evolution.

Ray tracing 3D spectral scenes through human optics models

Scientists and engineers have created computations and made measurements that characterize the first steps of seeing. ISETBio software integrates such computations and data into an open-source software package. The initial ISETBio implementations modeled image formation (physiological optics) for planar or distant scenes. The ISET3d software described here extends that implementation, simulating image formation for three-dimensional scenes. The software system relies on a quantitative computer graphics program that ray traces the scene radiance through the physiological optics to the retinal irradiance. We describe and validate the implementation for several model eyes. Then, we use the software to quantify the impact of several physiological optics parameters on three-dimensional image formation. ISET3d is integrated with ISETBio, making it straightforward to convert the retinal irradiance into cone excitations. These methods help the user compute the predictions of optics models for a wide range of spatially-rich three-dimensional scenes. They can also be used to evaluate the impact of nearby visual occlusion, the information available to binocular vision, or the retinal images expected from near-field and augmented reality displays.

Signac, Paul (1863–1935)

Paul Signac was a prolific French Neo-Impressionist painter during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His friendship with Georges Seurat defined the early part of his career in which he explored Pointillist and Divisionist painting methods. Interested by the laws and theories of physiological optics, Signac experimented with the effects of light and purposeful juxtaposition of color on canvas to produce effects in the eye of the viewer. Through the application of small, deliberate brushstrokes, Signac furthered the development of Neo-Impressionist painting techniques. Signac and Seurat practiced their theories of contrasting color through "Pointillism," the application of small dabs or dots of paint in calculated compositions. Following the death of Seurat in 1891 Signac turned from oil painting to watercolor and began to incorporate broader brushstrokes. He defined his new method as Divisionist rather than Pointillist. Signac focused his attention primarily on the promotion and dissemination of Divisionism and Neo-Impressionism.