Invention Collection (page 4)

X-ray security machine, 1900
X-ray security machine. Historical artwork of a fluoroscope being used in a late 19th-century French customs hall. The fluoroscope was designed and built by the French inventor Eugene Ducretet

SCIENCE FICTION COVER, 1929. American magazine cover, 1929

The world of tomorrow- some dreams of invention run riot; th
Illustration of an aerial mono rail (note date, 1st April 1905) as a vision of the future for railways. The caption states The scientific prophet looks forward to electric traction on this system

Garrett and Sons double-cylinder steam ploughing engine and tackle. From A Concise History of The International Exhibition of 1862, published 1862

Armoured bayonet curler by W H Robinson
For rendering useless the sentrys arme blanche. Please note: Credit must appear as Courtesy of the Estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evans 1915

Electricity machine by Pixii
An early form of an alternating current electrical generator built by Pixii in 1832

Cotton Spinning I: Development of Spinning Machinery (engraving)
XJF311273 Cotton Spinning I: Development of Spinning Machinery (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: 1. Indian Spinning-Wheel, 2. Saxony Spinning-Wheel, 3)

An old instrument with sights for roughly marking the positions of the celestial bodies before the invention of
ASTROLABE. An old instrument with sights for roughly marking the positions of the celestial bodies before the invention of the sextant. Line engraving

Alexander G. Bell, Scottish-US inventor C017 / 7105
Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922), Scottish-US inventor, using a telephone, his most famous invention. Bell followed his father and grandfather into the speech therapy profession

STEAM PLOUGH, 1892. Ingletons Improved Steam Plow. Wood engraving, American, 1892

VOICE AMPLIFIER. An imaginary voice amplifier, based on the ideas of Athanasius Kircher. Copper engraving, 1723, by Arnold van Westerhout

PHONAUTOGRAPH, c1857. A demonstration of the phonautograph, a sound-recording device invented by L

Front Page of The Engineer
Front page of The Engineer, a mid-19th century British periodical devoted to reporting on inventions and industrial and scientific advancements. Date: 1856

BICYCLING: DRAISINE, 1816. The Draisine, or Pedestrian Curricle, devised, 1816, by Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun. Drawing, 19th century

Accident compensation / W H Robinson
When an accident occurs, the Pro Bono Instanto mechanical arm can quickly thrust liquid refreshment in front of the victim to hopefully dissuade him from taking you to court - a remarkable advance in

Lingerie modesty screen / W H Robinson
For those who don t wish to air their lingerie in public - the modesty screen can be placed to enclose such offending items from view when on the washing line

Cop Comfort / W Heath Robinson
A policeman directs the traffic from the comfort of an armchair. Please note: Credit must appear as (c) Courtesy of the estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/Mary Evans Picture Library

Horn Buffers for Cattle, 1921
Illustration showing an invention, patented in 1921, designed to give any bull, using his horns in an aggressive fashion, a bash on the nose

The Heated Shoe, 1921
Illustration showing an invention patented in 1921 for a shoe with a hot water undersole, designed to keep ones feet warm on cold days

Evans Vacuum Cap advertisement, 1906
Advertisement for the Evans Vacuum Cap, an invention intented to promote the re-growth of hair, 1906

Robert William Bunsen 2
ROBERT WILHELM BUNSEN German scientist, famed for his invention of the Bunsen burner

An operation screened live in a medical lecture
An invention by Mr Herbert A. Silver enabling medical students to watch surgery from the lecture theatre. A circle of electric lamps is suspended over the operating table while the image is projected

Lippersheys Lenses
The legendary account of the invention of the telescope : Hans Lippersheys apprentices, playing with lenses, happen to hold two of them up together - the rest is history

Electric Rail Dinner
Still another use for electricity: a miniature railway that brings food from the pantry to the table, removing the need for contact with troublesome servants

Futuristic encounter with an octopus
A futuristic encounter with an octopus on the seabed. A man rescues a woman from its clutches

Futuristic underwater exploration, with two men in diving gear observing an array of strange creatures

Futuristic fast food stops on the Channel crossing
A futuristic scene showing fast food stops for aeroplane pilots on the Channel crossing

The Rocket, locomotive of George and Robert Stephenson

The Walter Press, the latest Invention in the Art of Newspaper Printing (engraving)
8631962 The Walter Press, the latest Invention in the Art of Newspaper Printing (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Walter Press)

Gerber Und Farber / Tanners and Colourers (colour litho)
8666285 Gerber Und Farber / Tanners and Colourers (colour litho) by German School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gerber Und Farber)

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A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media)
8736150 A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media) by English School, (19th century); 13.7x10.7x3.7 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media)
8736155 A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media) by English School, (19th century); 13.7x10.7x3.7 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Aerostat balloon warm air. Colourful drawing, 18th century
AIS5366528 Aerostat balloon warm air. Colourful drawing, 18th century.; © Iberfoto

Aerostat balloon warm air from the 18th century. Strong water in colors, 18th century
AIS5366522 Aerostat balloon warm air from the 18th century. Strong water in colors, 18th century.; © Iberfoto

Hammond "Ideal" typewriter with case, by Hammond Typewriter Company Limited, United States, 1884 (typewriter)
AIS5364326 Hammond "Ideal" typewriter with case, by Hammond Typewriter Company Limited, United States, 1884 (typewriter); Science Museum, London

Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass)
8832886 Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass) by French School, (13th-14th century); 15 x 14 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass)
8832883 Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass) by French School, (13th-14th century); 15 x 14 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media)
8736176 A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media) by English School, (19th century); 13.7x10.7x3.7 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

The Boat-cloak or cloak boat invented by Peter Halkett, R.N. 1848
7295447 The Boat-cloak or cloak boat invented by Peter Halkett, R.N. 1848; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info)

An engraving depicting Edison's Jumbo Engine-driver Dynamo on show at the Paris Electrical Exhibition of 1881
5311347 An engraving depicting Edison's Jumbo Engine-driver Dynamo on show at the Paris Electrical Exhibition of 1881

1878 Illustration depicting an electrophorus or electrophore. This was a manual capacitive electrostatic generator used
5311462 1878 Illustration depicting an electrophorus or electrophore. This was a manual capacitive electrostatic generator used to produce electrostatic charge via the process of electrostatic

An engraving depicting a refracting stereoscope: two pictures of Charles Wheatstone taken from slightly different
5310658 An engraving depicting a refracting stereoscope: two pictures of Charles Wheatstone taken from slightly different angles. When placed in the stereoscope they gave a third-dimensional picture

John Blenkinsop's cog railway
5308296 John Blenkinsop's cog railway.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting John Blenkinsop's cog railway which ran from Middleton to Leeds and was used to haul coal. Dated 19th century)

Richard Trevithick's high pressure tram engine
5308291 Richard Trevithick's high pressure tram engine.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Richard Trevithick's high pressure tram engine)

William Reid Clanny, inventor of a safety lamp
5308254 William Reid Clanny, inventor of a safety lamp.; (add.info.: William Reid Clanny FRSE (1776 - 10 January 1850) was an Irish physician and inventor of a safety lamp

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"Invention: A Journey Through Time and Imagination" Step into the whimsical world of William Heath Robinson, a mastermind artist who brought fantastical contraptions to life through his intricate illustrations. From his famous "Heath Robinson automated Dining Room without servants" to the peculiar "Pea Apparatus, " each creation is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. Innovation knows no bounds, as showcased in Robinson's masterpiece, "Ultra-Marine. " This mind-boggling invention transports us underwater, revealing an enchanting realm where imagination reigns supreme. It reminds us that they are not limited by reality but can transcend it entirely. Travel back in time with the revolutionary Gutenberg printing press of the 1450s. This groundbreaking invention revolutionized communication forever, paving the way for knowledge dissemination on an unprecedented scale. The power of words became accessible to all—a true turning point in history. As we marvel at these extraordinary creations, let us not forget those that were met with skepticism or rejection. Like "Rejected by the inventions board, " which serves as a reminder that even geniuses face setbacks along their journey towards progress. Sometimes it takes persistence and unwavering belief for brilliance to be recognized. The first Ferris wheel at Chicago World's Fair in 1893 stands tall as a symbol of innovation and entertainment. Its towering structure offered breathtaking views while captivating hearts worldwide—an iconic invention that continues to inspire awe today. Transportation leaps forward with Crewe Station's grand opening on July 4th, 1837—the birthplace of railway travel excellence. This engineering feat connected people like never before, shrinking distances and fostering new opportunities across nations—a testament to mankind's ability to conquer vast landscapes through sheer determination. From ancient times comes the arquebusse—its use marking a pivotal moment in warfare technology during the 16th century.