1 Introduction. - 2 The Energetic Portion of the Optic Nerve. - Evolutionary History. - Physiological Findings. - Anatomical Findings. - 3 Light and the Pineal Gland. - Evolutionary History of the Pineal Gland. - Melatonin. - Light and Darkness. - The Influence of Light via Retina-Pineal Gland. - Interaction of the Pineal with Other Endocrine Glands. - Light and Color Change. - 4 Light and Growth. - The Influence of Light on the Growth and Development of Invertebrates. - The Influence of Light on the Development of the Human Body and Mind. - 5 Light and Body Temperature. - Diurnal Rhythm of Body Temperature in Adults. - Diurnal Rhythm of Body Temperature in Infants. - Disturbances in Temperature Rhythm Caused by Changes in Diurnal Rhythm. - Interruptions in Temperature Rhythm in the Blind. - 6 Light and Kidney Function. - Water Balance. - Electrolyte Balance. - Alteration in Diurnal Rhythm Caused by a Shift in the Daily Time Pattern. - Alteration in Diurnal Rhythm Caused by Rapid Change of Location. - Diurnal Rhythm in Children. - Forecast. - 7 Light and Blood Count. - Red Blood Cell Count. - Blood Sedimentation Reaction. - White Blood Cell Count. - Thrombocytes. - Eosinophilic Blood Cells. - 8 Light and Metabolic Functions. - Endogenic Lipid Metabolism. - Protein Metabolism. - Liver Metabolism. - Carbohydrate Balance. - Blood Sugar. - Insulin. - 9 Light and Thyroid Function. - 10 Light and Sexual Function. - Effects on Humans. - 11 Light and Adrenal and Pituitary Functions. - Cortisol and ACTH. - Catecholamines. - Pituitary Hormones. - 12 Natural Sunlight and Artificial Fluorescent Light. - Intensity. - Spectral Differences. - The Monotony of Artificial Lighting. - 13 Light Pollution. - 14. The Importance of Light in Metabolism in Man and Animal: Summary. - References. - Author Index. Language: English