[2] In practice, wave-lengths are expressed in ten-millionths of a millimetre. The wave-lengths of the lines A and H of the solar spectrum, which approximately coincide with the limits of visibility, are 7594 and 3968 ten-millionths of a millimetre.
[3] Possibly the human eye is at present in process of transformation from an inferior type to a different and more perfect one.
[4] It is sometimes necessary to place the lens I on the other side of K.
[5] It is easy to find specimens of red and green glass suitable for this experiment. The proper kind of purple is not so commonly met with.
[6] Some recent experiments on artificial colour-blindness (Proc. Roy. Soc., Feb., 1898) have led Mr. Burch to the conclusion that there are really four fundamental colour-sensations—a red, a green, a blue, and a violet. His results are, however, thought to be capable of a different interpretation.
[7] Or through several pieces superposed.
[8] A violet-coloured haze may sometimes be actually seen around the opal globes of the electric lamps in the streets.
[9] A “focus” electric lamp was used in the lantern.
[10] Proc. Roy. Soc., Jan., 1899.
[11] After a few seconds’ observation the greenish-blue colour often becomes much more intense, but this is an effect of fatigue, with which we are not at present concerned.