The physiological basis for the sensation of gloom: quantitative and qualitative aspects.
As our ambient lighting is gradually reduced from a high level, subjects use the following words - bright, gloomy, dim and dark. On six subjects the light level at which these decisions are given has been measured. It has been found that the word gloomy is used when the rods begin to take over from the colour-sensitive daylight cones.
Rothwell
S E
SE
Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, U.K.
Campbell
F W
FW
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting; D008875:Middle Aged; D010783:Photometry; D014792:Visual Acuity