The neuroscience of Helmholtz and the theories of Johannes Müller. Part 2: Sensation and perception.
In this, our continuation paper on Helmholtz and Müller, we examine Helmholtz's contributions to sensation and perception, with emphasis on his extension and modification of Müller's theory of specific nerve energies. The material is again presented in biographical-chronological context. We also examine Helmholtz's views on depth and space perception, and his empirical theory of knowledge, which are also compared to Müller's views. It will be shown that Helmholtz remained stimulated by the thoughts and doctrines of Johannes Müller in the sensory-perceptual part of his career, which began early in the 1850s and ended with his death. Nevertheless, Helmholtz's own experiments and new discoveries by others sometimes led him to quite different conclusions.
Finger
Stanley
S
Neural Sciences Program, Philosophy-Neural Science-Psychology Program, Department of Psychology, Campus Box 1125, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA. sfinger@artsci.wustl.edu
Wade
Nicholas J
NJ
D005858:Germany; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000266:history*; D010465:Perception; D011044:Poland; D012677:Sensation