Adelbert Ames Jr.

Adelbert Ames Jr.
Born(1880-08-19)August 19, 1880
DiedJuly 3, 1955(1955-07-03) (aged 74)
Resting placeDartmouth Cemetery, Hanover, New Hampshire
Education
  • Harvard College
  • Clark University
ChildrenAdelbert Ames III
Parents
RelativesBenjamin F. Butler (maternal grandfather), Blanche Ames Ames (sister), Butler Ames (brother)
Awards
  • Tillyer Medal (1955)
  • Honorary Doctor of Laws (Dartmouth, 1954)
Scientific career
FieldsPhysics, physiology, ophthalmology, psychology, philosophy, social psychology
Institutions
  • Dartmouth College
  • Dartmouth Eye Institute
Academic advisors
  • George Santayana
  • William James
Notable students
  • William H. Ittelson
  • Hadley Cantril

Adelbert Ames Jr. (August 19, 1880 – July 3, 1955) was an American scientist who made contributions to physics, physiology, ophthalmology, psychology, and philosophy. He pioneered the study of physiological optics at Dartmouth College, serving as a research professor, then as director of research at the Dartmouth Eye Institute. He conducted important research into aspects of binocular vision, including cyclophoria and aniseikonia. Ames is perhaps best known for constructing illusions of visual perception, most notably the Ames room and the Ames window. He was a leading light in the Transactionalist School of psychology and also made contributions to social psychology.