A summary of research on reading rate is presented. Cited studies dating from 1884 to 1965 suggest a relationship among reading rate and visual perception, practice in reading, power of concentration, mental alertness, complex reaction times, intelligence, amount of vocalization, content, rate of thinking, intensity of illumination, typographical factors, linguistic ability, motor ability, personality traits, age, oxygen transport efficiency, psychophysiological maturation, and the reader's purpose and motivation. It is suggested that an individual's speed and span of perception develop most during the first four grades. Twenty-four references are included. (BS)