The nays have it: A critical re-appraisal of Newton's visual sense of space

Topic and purpose: This article recounts the evidence of Newtonian formulation regarding the laterality of visual space in humans. Method: Based on clinical as well as time-resolved experimental data and a new perspective afforded by the discovery of directionality in callosal traffic, I present evidence that the splitting of nasal retinal fibers at chiasm, suggested by Sir Isaac Newton in 1704 to explain singular vision with two eyes, does not take place. Results: Time resolved and clinical data are reviewed indicating the incompatibility of Newton's formulation of visual representation of hemispace with the data at the following levels; retina, chiasm, lateral geniculate ganglion and temporal and occipital lobes. It is concluded that we see with our major hemispheres as defined by the new circuitry (left, in vast majority of behavioral right handers). Thus, the major hemisphere is the site in which all commands are formulated and in which visual experience takes place.