This text discusses the perception of objects through the optic nerves and brain, emphasizing how objects are interpretable based on their movement and the brain's response. It explains how movements influence the soul and describes how optic nerve fibers affect the perception of colors, sounds, and flavors. The functioning of nerves related to the ears and tongue is also discussed in relation to hearing and taste.
Of Human Figures, &c.
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The alignment of the light according to the proportion of the size of the object, and the distance from which it is viewed, determines if it appears large or small. To correctly interpret the appearance of seemingly contradictory objects, note further that although objects seem incorrectly pushed against the fibers of the optic nerves (as was already seen in G. B. B. 1. 2. 3.), the orientation of these fibers C.C. 1. 2. 3. was followed by another orientation of the brain parts D., which makes another painting (as it might be called) on the internal surface of the brain, which sits beneath the pineal gland E.; still, one should not think that these images keep something of their resemblance, although the formation there goes to the brain; it is only the movement that creates this image, according to the width and strength of the movement made; this motion-picture directly works upon the soul, having such an effect and thoughts, because by the form and material of the seen objects it is applied to it. The nature of the soul must be perceived in such a way that the strength of the movement found in the brain parts, from which come the fibers of the optic nerves, provides it with sensation, and the manner of movement produces a feeling of colors, and the distance or nearness. Just as the movement of nerves that coincide with the ears makes them hear sounds and particular tones. And the nerves of the tongue let them taste flavors.