Thresholds of Stimulation of the Otolith Organs as Indicated by the Oculogravic Illusion

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Abstract
The oculogravic illusion is defined as an apparent movement of objects which are stationary with respect to the observer when he is subjected to a change in direction of resultant force relative to himself. This illusion was produced by rotation of a subject in the dark on a human centrifuge. The illlusion, consisting of apparent rotation of a luminous star, was used as the indicator mechanism to determine stimulus thresholds of the otolith organ. The mean thresholds in terms of displacement of the direction of resultant force from the true vertical were: sitting position, 1.5[degree]; lying on the right side, 8.9[degree]; head-down position, none obtainable. The findings are in general accord with Quix''S hypothesis concerning the functioning of the otolith organ, namely, that it functions best with head upright.