Preindustrial photography

Mirabilis has just pointed out a site that asks, "Why Didn't the Romans Invent Photography?" The site demonstrates how one can make photos using geranium leaves, alcohol, and tincture of iodine.

As far as I know, there is no evidence for premodern photography, but it is interesting that it was possible. Even simpler would have been construction of a basic sound recording device, however. Edison's recorder used a waxed cylinder and a stylus hooked up to a speaking trumpet -- a setup that could have been copied by skilled artisans almost anywhere in the ancient world.

Posted by David on March 15, 2003 9:31 AM