Tech Directions - August 2007 - (Page 12) technology’s past Dennis Karwatka d.karwat@morehead-st.edu Joseph Niepce and the First Photograph Early technologists looked for a way to capture images of life on paper. One technique called for using a camera obscura, which helped people sketch images of buildings or rural scenes. But that method proved cumbersome and some people considered the possibility of painting with light. Joseph Niepce of France showed how to do it. He produced the world’s first photograph in 1826. Niepce was born into a wealthy family in 1765 in west-central France. Like others in his social class, his early education was in the field of religion. The French Revolution (1789-1799) intervened in his life, and he became an infantry officer. Returning to his home in Chalon, he married Agnes Romero and formed a partnership with his older brother Claude. Their family fortune amounted to enough to allow Joseph Niepce Image reproduced by permission of trustees of the Science Museum them to devote time to their varied technical interests. The brothers worked on internal combustion engines, lithography, hydraulic rams, indigo dye and other technologies. Their engine showed some promise for powering riverboats, and Claude moved to Paris to promote it. The brothers worked on that ultimately unsuccessful invention for over 20 years. The newly invented lithographic printing method particularly appealed to Niepce. His son Isidore made original drawings on stone, while Niepce attended to the chemistry associated with the process. This work led him to look further into the properties of light-sensitive materials. In about 1816, Niepce began experimenting with paper soaked in silver chloride. He had three large cameras made in different sizes and used them in an attempt to take outdoor photographs. Niepce called his method heliography, which means “sun drawing.” He may have had some success with this process, BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALE—SAVE OVER 50%! Three book series is great for teaching the history of technology Building Civilization: The Growth of Production Moving Civilization: The Growth of Transportation Connecting Civilization: The Growth of Communication Author Dennis Karwatka brings to life the fields of production, transportation and communication. Each book features an overview of the technology’s history plus biographies of its key players. Inventors and inventions like Edwin Link and his flight trainer and the Mack brothers and the first American trucks will inspire your students. Vintage photos and drawings make reading interesting. Buy them today and save over 40% Only $19.95 each! Save over 50% on the set Get all 3 for only $49.95! + shipping & handling Call 800-530-9673 x200, fax 734-975-2787 or order online at www.techdirections.com/civsale.html Tech Directions Books & Media 12 techdirections ◆ AUGUST 2007 http://www.techdirections.com/civsale.html http://www.techdirections.com/civsale.html
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