This paper compares the theory presented by Christiaan Huygens in his Treatise on Light, in the XVII century, with the version that appears in some textbooks of Physics for undergraduate courses, and analysis the perception of students concerning the development of this theory. As a result, we found that the information presented in these books incorporated later contributions, which leads students to an incorrect view of the evolution of this theory and to attribute current conceptions to the past.
Wave theory of light; Physics education; Science education
