This experiment does not neatly fit into the classical
division of imagery by types. Actually, it has nothing to do with
mental images as I define them, but rather with the nature of our
perceptual equipment, and, orthogonally, the metaphysics of color
perception. However, it is an interesting, and possibly
important, demonstration in support of the metaphysical
proposition that "nothing has any color." This view
about color has been defended by Charles Landesman. See his
books, "The Mind and the Eye" and "Color and
Consciousness." These are available in some university
libraries.
For this experiment you need:
1. A black and white TV.
2. A clock radio with a RED LED digital display.
3. A darkened room.
In a darkened room, watch the TV with ONE EYE open only for about
15 minutes.
Turn off the TV and now look at the clock radio with the eye that
has been watching the TV. The display will appear to be red.
Now close that eye and OPEN THE OTHER EYE. Surprised?
What happens when you look at the display with both eyes?