Here's how it evolved:
* Ancient Roman Observation: The Romans noticed that the dark center of the eye reflected light, much like the doll's eyes. This reflection was especially prominent in children, as their eyes were often larger and more reflective.
* "Pupilla" as a Term: The Latin term "pupilla" was used to describe this reflection and eventually came to refer to the entire dark center of the eye.
* Evolution of the Meaning: Over time, the term shifted from the physical reflection to the entire eye's aperture, the area that allows light to enter.
* English Adoption: The English word "pupil" was derived from the Latin "pupilla," and it's been used to describe the center of the eye since the Middle Ages.
So, the next time you look in the mirror, remember that the word "pupil" is a reminder of the ancient Romans' keen observation of the human eye and their fascination with how it works.