COLOR BLINDNESS

Kumara Times, Issue 970, 8 November 1879, Page 3

COLOR BLINDNESS

A series of experiments having, by the instructions of the. Commissioner of Railways, been made amongst the employes in the Railway Department on the subject of color blindness, have resulted in the discovery that 2i per cent, are partially color blind or unable to distinguish beyond the two primnrv colors black or white. The method adopted by Mr Conyers was to submit to each man seven cards, painted vespectivly, white, yellow, light blue, dark blue, light brown, light gresn, and dark red. If each color could be named without hesitation, the test would be considered satisfactory. The test applied on the Livercargill section was by submitting to the men plaits of Berlin wool of variegated colors, their ability to name etch color without hesitation being taken as conclusive. In Christchurch 2GG men have been tested, of whom thirteen are partially color blind. In the Oamaru district 230 men were tried, one of whom only was found to be color blind, and he completely so. The method in this instance adopted was by colored cards, after which flags were exhibited at a distance of about ten chains. The downright necessity of these tests being applied in tfee interests of public safety may be appreciated when it is remembered that all the signals used on the railways by day or night are by color. For remainder of news see last page.