Hello All:

I'm trying to find out if there is another name for the "persistence of vision" principle, which applies to thaumatropes and various optical illusion tricks (e.g., ones where you stare at an image for 30 seconds, and then look at a wall and the image appears there).

Is there a scientific or medical term for this phenomenon?

Thanks,

Ben Blau

Hi Ben, I don't know another name for the phenomenon to which you're referring but my favorite example is an American flag printed in black, orange and green. Stare at it for 30 seconds, then look at a white surface and Old Glory is now red, white and blue! UNBELIEVABLE!!

I look forward to more on this subject from others...

When the image is _static_ I believe it is refered to as an "afterimage" rather than "persistence of vision".

/Tomas

Tomas, you are correct.

In the example I cited above, the color "change" is a result of complimentary (negative, or opposite) colors remaining in the mind's eye.

We're filling in the details, can anyone else add more? THANKS!!

Google -> perception, afterimage, color

http://www.devx.com/projectcool/Article/19987/0/page/2

and many other places were the basics of perception are discussed.

The Dewey decimal system has codes for all sorts of things beyond magical entertainment.

Afterimage, THAT'S IT!

Does anyone have a link to website for this optical illusion?