Details
WHEATSTONE, Sir Charles (1802-1875).Autograph letter signed to Abbé, Lower Mall, Hammersmith, 20 May 1856, 4 pages on 2 leaves, 4to, including integral address leaf, postmarked and red seal (small hole to first leaf touching text, hole affecting last line of text, small marginal repairs to second leaf).
An interesting letter on optics from the developer of telegraphy and inventor of the stereoscope. Wheatstone's letter comprises a reassertion that he was the first to invent the stereoscope, together with an explanation of its principles, in response to assertions made by Sir David Brewster that a Mr Elliott had constructed one a year before Wheatstone. In his letter, which refers to the observations on the eye by Leonardo da Vinci, Wheatstone lays out the scientific principles behind the 'reflecting stereoscope' and concludes that it is 'the most perfect and instructive form of the instrument, and shows the most beautiful effects.'
An interesting letter on optics from the developer of telegraphy and inventor of the stereoscope. Wheatstone's letter comprises a reassertion that he was the first to invent the stereoscope, together with an explanation of its principles, in response to assertions made by Sir David Brewster that a Mr Elliott had constructed one a year before Wheatstone. In his letter, which refers to the observations on the eye by Leonardo da Vinci, Wheatstone lays out the scientific principles behind the 'reflecting stereoscope' and concludes that it is 'the most perfect and instructive form of the instrument, and shows the most beautiful effects.'
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