ceiling lights & chandeliers
brought to light photography and the invisible 1840 1900
brought to light invites readers to step back to a time when photography x rays and movies were new when forays into the world beneath the skin or the realm beyond our everyday vision captivated scientists and the public alike . in this book accounts of scientific experimentation blend with stories of showmanship to reveal how developments in 19th century technology could enlighten as well as frighten and amaze . through a series of 200 vintage images produced by photographers scientists and amateur inventors this book ultimately traces the rise of popular science . the images demonstrate early experiments with microscopes telescopes electricity and magnetism motion studies x rays and radiation and spirit photography . we learn how these pictures circulated among the public whether through the press worlds fairs or theaters . what started out as scientific progress however often took on the trappings of magic and superstition as photography was enlisted to offer visual evidence of clairvoyance spirits and other occult influences . with beautifully reproduced plates and engaging narratives this book embodies the aesthetic pleasures and excitement of the tale it tells .