Eidetic imagery is a phenomenon that
has been noted and studied for well over a century. Much of the early
systematic research was done in Germany between 1910 and 1930, and
important works such as those by F.R. Jaensch were later translated into
English and reviewed by psychologists such as Allport and Kluver.
However, the interest in this subject faltered between 1930 and 1960. Fewer
than ten studies were reported, not including "several clinical reports of
patients with vivid imagery that was quite unrelated to any preceding
information."
In recent years, however, the issue has gained a new vested
interest, due largely to the highly recognized work of Ralph N. Haber.
Other researchers who have contributed to this renewed interest have
included Richardson's recent review of eidetic research and Norman's
"contemporary theoretician's skeptical point of view." Therefore, most of
the strides in understanding eidetic imagery have happened in the last
thirty years and are continuing to happen today.