Service scotoma

It gave us the opportunity to compare recently observed continental habits with those current in London. It was on the second occasion, about 10 minutes after the table had been cleared of the main course, and we were attempting to engage the waiter's attention that my son noticed it. I mean... we've all noticed it... well certainly I have, but like many things in life one takes it for granted... banks don't lend to you unless you don't need the cash, taxis are abundant when you're enjoying a walk, car prices reduce after you've bought that new model etc. It appears to be characterised by a bilateral central scotoma of approximately 45 [the angle subtended by a 12-inch dinner plate at arm's length]. I estimate that it requires a dynamic peripheral visual acity of about 6/36 for the sufferer to indicate recognition of a moving arm at five yards. It is often accompanied by a hearing deficit in the lower ranges especially of polysyllabic phrases but, interestingly enough, monosyllabic, mainly vowel sounds, seem to be very acutely acted upon, eg bill please, check now. I have named the condition my son remarked on as WCS syndrome...Waiters Can't See syndrome. Having done little research since my student days, perhaps a reader might like to investigate further. I will be happy to offer assistance [after funding is achieved] to any colleague who wishes perhaps to compare the effects of this condition on sufferers in the West End of London with those in central Paris. My French will be sufficient to overcome any language difficulties and in the interests of economy I will accept second class travel on Eurostar. Marvyn Slater London N3