1. Comparisons of Explanatory Power -- 1. Introducing the wave theory to Britain -- 2. Comparing the explanatory powers -- 3. The reflection of a particle theorist -- 4. Improving the explanatory power of the particle theory -- 5. The problem of selective absorption -- 2. Explanatory Power and Classification -- 1. The Newtonian taxonomic systems -- 2. Herschel's synthetic attempt -- 3. Lloyd's dichotomous design -- 3. Classification and the Use of Instruments -- 1. Brewster's plate polarizers and crystal analyzers -- 2. Fresnel's innovative uses of crystal analyzers -- 3. Herschel's understanding of partial polarization -- 4. Lloyd and conical polarization -- 4. The Dispute over Dispersion -- 1. Powell's formulas of dispersion -- 2. Fraunhofer's theodolites and spectral lines -- 3. Powell's hollow prisms and spectral lines -- 4. Brewster's telescope and spectral lines -- 5. The difficulties of making gratings -- 6. The impasse in the debate -- 5. The Discovery of the "Polarity of Light" -- 1. The discovery of the "polarity of light" -- 2. Brewster's classification -- 3. The wave explanations -- 4. The setback of the wave theory -- 5. Powell's hollow prism -- 6. Stokes's solution -- 6. The Measurements of the Intensity of Light -- 1. Potter's reflecting photometer -- 2. Potter's measurements of metallic mirrors -- 3. Potter's measurements of glass mirrors -- 4. Potter's comparative photometer -- 5. The debate on the reliability of the eye -- 6. Potter's attack on the wave account of diffraction -- 7. Instrumental Traditions -- 1. Optical instruments as image-making devices -- 2. The eye as an optical instrument -- 3. Optical instruments as measuring devices -- 4. Whewell on optical measurements -- 5. The visual tradition -- 6. The geometric tradition -- 8. The Geometric Tradition and the Wave Theory of Light -- 1. Humboldtian sciences: measuring nature -- 2. The shortage of scientific manpower in optics -- 3. A new generation of physicists -- 4. Stokes's experiments on fluorescence -- 5. Measuring the velocity of light -- 6. The status of the wave theory -- 9. The Visual Tradition and the Closure of the Optical Revolution -- 1. Stereoscopes and the studies of space perception -- 2. Stroboscopes and the studies of visual persistence -- 3. Kaleidoscopes and the making of "philosophical toys" -- 4. Binocular cameras and the photographic industry -- 5. The end of the optical revolution -- Conclusion -- Notes -- References -- Name Index.