Reflection

“Let S be the position of the spectator; O and B the position of distant objects. The rays O R and B R which proceed from them, strike the surface of the water very obliquely, and the light which is reflected in the direction R S is sufficient to make a sensible impression upon the eye. But in regard to objects such as A placed near the spectator, they are not seen reflected, because the rays A R’ which proceed from them strike the water with but little obliquity; and consequently, the part of their light which is reflected in the direction R’ S, towards the spectator, is not sufficient to produce a sensible impression upon the eye.” —Wells, 1857

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