A neural mechanism for adjustment to optimal conditions, with possible reference to visual accommodation

Abstract

A general mechanism is studied which adapts the value of some biological parameter so as to maximize or to minimize the value of another parameter. In the process of visual accommodation, the thickness of the lens is determined by the maximum sharpness of the image on the retina. A neural mechanism which provides for such an optimum adjustment is described. A similar mechanism may play a role in such phenomena as hedonistic behavior where activity is adjusted to a maximum of satisfaction. The mechanism discussed here does not provide for an absolutely sharp retinal image, but leads to a conclusion that the sharpness of that image fluctuates within narrow limits which are determined by the parameters of the systems.