The Mathematics of Beauty > Timeline > 1801-1887 - Gustav Theodor Fechner
Fechner studied the aesthetic implications of the Golden Section by asking 228 men and 119 women which of the above rectangles they found æsthetically the most pleasing. The experiment has been repeated with variations in methodology many times and occasionally his results have been supported. In general, the rectangle D, with the ratio of 21:34 was preferred, with the rectangles adjacent to this one in the picture being rated highly also. The ratio of 21:34 is the so called "golden rectangle" because it's based on the golden ratio or "divine proportion." - source |
Gustav Theodor Fechner (1801 - 1887), was a German experimental psychologist. An early pioneer in experimental psychology and founder of psychophysics, he inspired many 20th century scientists and philosophers. He is also credited with demonstrating the non-linear relationship between psychological sensation and the physical intensity of a stimulus via the formula: