The Nomenclature of Colours

THE interesting article of Mr. J. H. Pillsbury, published in your last number, recalls to me a passage in my autobiography, which, though it is already in print, will not be issued until after my death. As bearing on the question Mr. Pillsbury raises, this passage may, perhaps with advantage, be published in advance. The plan suggested aims at no such scientific nicety of discrimination or naming as that he proposes, but is one which is applicable with the means at present in use. It is, as will be perceived, based on the old theory respecting the primary colours; but whatever qualification has to be made in this, need not affect the method described. The passage is as follows:-