Edward Wheeler Scripture

“ It is at least possible that a variation of the energy by varying the height of fall also produces a change in quality. We can, to a certain degree, abstract from a consideration of anything but the intensity, but even an unconscious difference can influence the decision. Taking these facts into consideration, the amount of variation from the double of the stimulus corresponding to a double sensation is really less than would be expected. ”

“ In his consideration of the relation-hypothesis Merkel was led to assert that we could determine the half of a given sensation or twice it just as well as the just perceptible difference. Aside from all theoretical considerations the question arises: is it possible to measure intensities directly on one another? This can be answered only by experiment; one case of it, the determination of the double intensity of a given noise, is undertaken in the present essay. The noise was produced by a small ivory ball falling from a given height on a hard board. ”

“ The concussion of two bodies produces an irregular periodic vibration of the air, generally starting with a maximum displacement and more or less rapidly and irregularly decreasing; see the figures in Hermann, Handbuch der Physiologie, III (2) . ”