ABSTRACT
As a famous physicist once said, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Thus, even though this book is by no means a comprehensive look at its subject, it seemed to me de rigeur to begin with a visual scientist of the first rank who is also known for his scholarly understanding of the history of this multidisciplinary field. I can think of no one who fits that description better than my longtime friend, Professor Westheimer. So I was very pleased that he agreed to provide the introductory orientation for this rather eclectic set of topics. Those who ignore the lessons of history, it is said, are doomed to repeat them-so where do we stand, in time and space?
