Hermann von Helmholtz fue un erudito polifacético cuyo trabajo abarcó la medicina, la física y la filosofía. En fisiología y psicología, exploró las matemáticas de la visión, las teorías de la percepción y la sensación del tono, basando sus ideas en la observación empírica y modelos matemáticos. Sus investigaciones en física profundizaron en la conservación de la energía y los fundamentos mecánicos de la termodinámica. Como filósofo, reflexionó sobre la relación entre las leyes de la naturaleza y la percepción humana, defendiendo el poder civilizador de la indagación científica.
"Helmholtz's Treatise on Physiological Optics" is widely recognized as the greatest book written on vision. This classic work was translated into English to mark the centenary of Helmholtz's birth and is one of the most frequently cited books on the phyisiology and physics of vision.
An annotated edition of fifty-three letters by Hermann von Helmholtz to his fiancée and later wife, Olga von Velten. Never previously published in complete form, these documents provide the most comprehensive autobiographical account of the young Helmholtz. In 1847, Helmholtz was a surgeon for the Prussian army in Potsdam, seeking to become a scientist. By 1859, he had become a professor in the medical faculty at Heidelberg and one of Europe's leading sensory physiologists. These letters thus span the formation of Helmholtz's university career and the development of his cultural, political and philosophical worldview. The letters are given in German, introduction and annotations in English.
This book is a classic piece of work that provides an in-depth description of the ophthalmoscope. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of the eye instrument and has been translated into English. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about this critical component of ophthalmology.