Physiological limits for "subliminal" perception

Cortical, subcortical, and peripheral sensory nerve potentials were studied in cats to determine comparative thresholds of response. Stimuli capable of eliciting responses in peripheral nerve also invariably elicited responses from thalamus and cortex. Together with relevant data from human studies, the results indicate that stimuli subthreshold for perception do not affect the nervous system. They also have implications for studies of "subliminal" perception.