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Prehistory of photography


 
LL/9884
 
Before the chemical image, there was the dream of capturing light. Explore the centuries of optical experiments—from the Camera Obscura to the magic lantern—that led to the birth of the camera.

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Discover the Roots.

Contents

Introduction
1The Prehistory of photography
Literary predictions of photography
2Charles-François Tiphaigne de la Roche: Giphantie (1760)
Drawing and optical devices
3Drawing and optical devices
4Introduction to the Claude Glass or Black Mirror
5A history of the camera obscura
Light-sensitive chemicals
6Introduction to light-sensitive materials
7An Account of a method of copying Paintings upon glass, and of making Profiles, by the agency of Light upon Nitrate of Silver. Invented by T. WEDGWOOD, ESQ. With Observations by H. DAVY. (1802)
Peepshows
8Introduction to peepshows
Magic lanterns
9History of the magic lantern
10Magic lantern shows and showmen
Alternative views
11Spooner's Protean Views
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre
12Joseph Nicéphore Niépce: Portraits
13Joseph Nicéphore Niépce: Cardinal d'Amboise
14Joseph Nicéphore Niépce: View from the Window at Le Gras

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