Skip to main content

Invention Collection (page 8)

"Invention: A Journey Through Time and Imagination" Step into the whimsical world of William Heath Robinson

Background imageInvention Collection: A Main's printing machine, 1862

A Main's printing machine, 1862
7125112 A Main's printing machine, 1862; (add.info.: A Main's printing machine for bookwork and job printing. From A Concise History of The International Exhibition of 1862)

Background imageInvention Collection: Portraits of Carl Friedrich Gauss and Wilhelm Eduard Weber

Portraits of Carl Friedrich Gauss and Wilhelm Eduard Weber
5308541 Portraits of Carl Friedrich Gauss and Wilhelm Eduard Weber; (add.info.: Portraits of Carl Friedrich Gauss and Wilhelm Eduard Weber. Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855) a German mathematician

Background imageInvention Collection: Sciences: Thomas Edison in front of the dynamo that generated the first commercial electric light

Sciences: Thomas Edison in front of the dynamo that generated the first commercial electric light in New York, USA
NWI4949690 Sciences: Thomas Edison in front of the dynamo that generated the first commercial electric light in New York, USA.; (add.info.: Sciences)

Background imageInvention Collection: Sciences: eolipyle, steam machine, as it was drawn by Heron of Alexandria or Heron The Elder

Sciences: eolipyle, steam machine, as it was drawn by Heron of Alexandria or Heron The Elder
NWI4947793 Sciences: eolipyle, steam machine, as it was drawn by Heron of Alexandria or Heron The Elder, Greek engineer and mathematician of the 1st century BC

Background imageInvention Collection: William Caxton (circa 1422 - 1491)

William Caxton (circa 1422 - 1491)
2603866 William Caxton (circa 1422 - 1491); (add.info.: William Caxton (c1422 - 1491) the first man to print and published books in England (1476). Cadxon reading proofs fresh off the press

Background imageInvention Collection: Telegraph office has Sandy Hook in New Jersey, years 1870. 19th century color engraving

Telegraph office has Sandy Hook in New Jersey, years 1870. 19th century color engraving
NWI4954102 Telegraph office has Sandy Hook in New Jersey, years 1870. 19th century color engraving.; (add.info.: Telegraph office has Sandy Hook in New Jersey, years 1870)

Background imageInvention Collection: Electromotograph kind of telegraph invented by Thomas Edison, 1870 years

Electromotograph kind of telegraph invented by Thomas Edison, 1870 years. 19th century color engraving
NWI4954075 Electromotograph kind of telegraph invented by Thomas Edison, 1870 years. 19th century color engraving.; (add.info.: Electromotograph kind of telegraph invented by Thomas Edison)

Background imageInvention Collection: George Moore's steam man

George Moore's steam man
2604085 George Moore's steam man; (add.info.: George Moore's steam man. Petrol - fired boiler operated a 1/2 hp engine. Exhaust escaped through helmet, steam exhaust through cigar)

Background imageInvention Collection: Barber shampooing a client

Barber shampooing a client
2602585 Barber shampooing a client; (add.info.: Barber shampooing a client, rinsing hair with water from reservoir fitted with a tap. Woodcut from 'Architecture... Mathematischen)

Background imageInvention Collection: Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) and his associate used one of their inventions to locate a

Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) and his associate used one of their inventions to locate a bullet shot in President
NWI4934986 Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) and his associate used one of their inventions to locate a bullet shot in President James Abram Garfield (1831-1881) to assassinate him, 1881

Background imageInvention Collection: FULTON, Robert (1765-1815) (engraving)

FULTON, Robert (1765-1815) (engraving)
CUL4933918 FULTON, Robert (1765-1815) (engraving); Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid, Spain; (add.info.: FULTON, Robert (1765-1815). North-American nautical engineer

Background imageInvention Collection: The discovery of glass by Egyptians using pieces of natron, a salt used for the preservation of

The discovery of glass by Egyptians using pieces of natron, a salt used for the preservation of mummies
ELD4930513 The discovery of glass by Egyptians using pieces of natron, a salt used for the preservation of mummies, as support for the cauldron in which they were cooking

Background imageInvention Collection: DAGUERRE, Louis-Jacques-Mande (1787-1851). English inventor that improved the photography

DAGUERRE, Louis-Jacques-Mande (1787-1851). English inventor that improved the photography. Litography
CUL4855970 DAGUERRE, Louis-Jacques-Mande (1787-1851). English inventor that improved the photography. Litography. by Unknown Artist; (add.info.: DAGUERRE, Louis-Jacques-Mande (1787-1851)

Background imageInvention Collection: Engraving depicting an ingenious Indian Fire Drill, 19th century (engraving)

Engraving depicting an ingenious Indian Fire Drill, 19th century (engraving)
3522028 Engraving depicting an ingenious Indian Fire Drill, 19th century (engraving); (add.info.: Engraving depicting an indigenous Indian Fire Drill)

Background imageInvention Collection: New motorised, Edison Phonograph, 1898

New motorised, Edison Phonograph, 1898
3478810 New motorised, Edison Phonograph, 1898; (add.info.: New motorised, Edison Phonograph. Wax recording rather than foil, 1898.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: Morse telegraph receiving instrument shown printing a message, 1891

Morse telegraph receiving instrument shown printing a message, 1891
3479939 Morse telegraph receiving instrument shown printing a message, 1891; (add.info.: Morse telegraph receiving instrument shown printing a message.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: GPO telegraph transmitter, 1882

GPO telegraph transmitter, 1882
3479937 GPO telegraph transmitter, 1882; (add.info.: GPO telegraph transmitter. Shown at the International Electric Exhibition at the Crystal Palace, 1882.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: D'Asrlincourt's teleprinter, 1878

D'Asrlincourt's teleprinter, 1878
3479636 D'Asrlincourt's teleprinter, 1878; (add.info.: D'Asrlincourt's teleprinter, 1878.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: Transmitting key for a Morse telegraph, 1895

Transmitting key for a Morse telegraph, 1895
3479968 Transmitting key for a Morse telegraph, 1895; (add.info.: Transmitting key for a Morse telegraph.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: David Hughes's printing telegraph, 1891

David Hughes's printing telegraph, 1891
3479463 David Hughes's printing telegraph, 1891; (add.info.: David Hughes's printing telegraph. This was powered by clockwork, with a driving weight of about 50kg)

Background imageInvention Collection: Elisha Gray's telephone, 1896

Elisha Gray's telephone, 1896
3479295 Elisha Gray's telephone, 1896; (add.info.: Elisha's telephone, dated 1896. Created by Elisha Gray (2nd August 1835 - 21st 1901)

Background imageInvention Collection: Shopping by videophone, 1890

Shopping by videophone, 1890
3479184 Shopping by videophone, 1890; (add.info.: Illustration shows an interpretation of the future. A female is shown shopping by videophone. Paris, 1890.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: Mittens made of string, used during World War One to protect the hands of men engaged on mine

Mittens made of string, used during World War One to protect the hands of men engaged on mine sweepers
3502745 Mittens made of string, used during World War One to protect the hands of men engaged on mine sweepers, from The Pageant of the Century, pub.1934; (add.info.: Mittens made of string)

Background imageInvention Collection: Replica of Marconi's wireless telegraph. 1899 (object)

Replica of Marconi's wireless telegraph. 1899 (object)
UIG5430125 Replica of Marconi's wireless telegraph. 1899 (object); (add.info.: ©Clive Streeter/Dorling Kindersley/UIG/Leemage, Courtesy of The Science Museum, London); Dorling Kindersley/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: Replica of Wimshurst machine (machine de Wimshurst), a generator

Replica of Wimshurst machine (machine de Wimshurst), a generator. Invented by James Wimshurst, 1880s (object)
UIG5430099 Replica of Wimshurst machine (machine de Wimshurst), a generator. Invented by James Wimshurst, 1880s (object); Dorling Kindersley/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: Engraving depicting a Brewster Stereoscope. David Brewster (1781-1868) a Scottish physicist

Engraving depicting a Brewster Stereoscope. David Brewster (1781-1868) a Scottish physicist, mathematician, astronomer
UIG5425891 Engraving depicting a Brewster Stereoscope. David Brewster (1781-1868) a Scottish physicist, mathematician, astronomer, inventor, writer, historian of science and university principle

Background imageInvention Collection: London Sandwich men being used to advertise babies feeding bottles

London Sandwich men being used to advertise babies feeding bottles
5310065 London Sandwich men being used to advertise babies feeding bottles; (add.info.: Engraving depicting London Sandwich men being used to advertise babies feeding bottles)

Background imageInvention Collection: Amphibious tricycle using large rubber inflatable tires to move on land or water, France, circa 1890

Amphibious tricycle using large rubber inflatable tires to move on land or water, France, circa 1890
NWI4961599 Amphibious tricycle using large rubber inflatable tires to move on land or water, France, circa 1890. Lithograph from 19th century illustration.; (add.info)

Background imageInvention Collection: A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media)

A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media)
8736188 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)

Background imageInvention Collection: A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media)

A lacquered brass microscope belonging to the Darwin family, c.1826-30 (mixed media)
8736162 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)

Background imageInvention Collection: Dessication and compression of vegetables by the technique used by Chollet, c. 1800, engraving

Dessication and compression of vegetables by the technique used by Chollet, c. 1800, engraving
1728490 Dessication and compression of vegetables by the technique used by Chollet, c. 1800, engraving; (add.info.: Dessication and compression of vegetables by the technique used by Chollet, c)

Background imageInvention Collection: Carpet sweeper or Bissell wrongly identified. Introduced from United States c1887. Engraving

Carpet sweeper or Bissell wrongly identified. Introduced from United States c1887. Engraving
530637 Carpet sweeper or Bissell wrongly identified. Introduced from United States c1887. Engraving; Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageInvention Collection: Home and family transformed into models of comfort and smartness by the housewife's industry with

Home and family transformed into models of comfort and smartness by the housewife's industry with the help of
530590 Home and family transformed into models of comfort and smartness by the housewife's industry with the help of the Singer sewing machine (engraving); (add.info)

Background imageInvention Collection: James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish mechanical engineer and inventor depicted at the fireside

James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish mechanical engineer and inventor depicted at the fireside collecting steam from a
528452 James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish mechanical engineer and inventor depicted at the fireside collecting steam from a kettle

Background imageInvention Collection: Berthold Schwarz from Le Petit Journal, Paris, 1901 (print)

Berthold Schwarz from Le Petit Journal, Paris, 1901 (print)
539301 Berthold Schwarz from Le Petit Journal, Paris, 1901 (print); (add.info.: Berthold Schwarz (active 1320). German Franciscan monk and alchemist

Background imageInvention Collection: Ascent in captive hot air balloon made by Francois Pilatre de Rozier (1754-85) in Paris

Ascent in captive hot air balloon made by Francois Pilatre de Rozier (1754-85) in Paris, 11 October 1783
535279 Ascent in captive hot air balloon made by Francois Pilatre de Rozier (1754-85) in Paris, 11 October 1783, 1887 (engraving); (add.info.: From Gaston Tissandier Histoire des Ballons, Paris)

Background imageInvention Collection: Archimedes crow, Greek mathematician, 18th century (engraving)

Archimedes crow, Greek mathematician, 18th century (engraving)
863349 Archimedes crow, Greek mathematician, 18th century (engraving); (add.info.: Archimedes crow. Archimedes (c287-212 BC)

Background imageInvention Collection: The automaton Digesting Duck by French inventor Jacques de Vaucanson (1709-1782), created in 1739

The automaton Digesting Duck by French inventor Jacques de Vaucanson (1709-1782), created in 1739
1752528 The automaton Digesting Duck by French inventor Jacques de Vaucanson (1709-1782), created in 1739.; (add.info.: The automaton Digesting Duck by French inventor Jacques de Vaucanson (1709-1782)

Background imageInvention Collection: Casting a mortar at Grissell's Regent's Canal Ironworks, City Road, London, 1855 (engraving)

Casting a mortar at Grissell's Regent's Canal Ironworks, City Road, London, 1855 (engraving)
538551 Casting a mortar at Grissell's Regent's Canal Ironworks, City Road, London, 1855 (engraving); (add.info.: Casting a mortar at Grissell's Regent's Canal Ironworks, City Road)

Background imageInvention Collection: Advert for Remington Typewriters, 1890-1900 (litho)

Advert for Remington Typewriters, 1890-1900 (litho)
PNP392704 Advert for Remington Typewriters, 1890-1900 (litho) by American School; Private Collection; (add.info.: Remington Typewriters do the work;); Peter Newark American Pictures

Background imageInvention Collection: How man learns from the human eye (litho)

How man learns from the human eye (litho)
8676259 How man learns from the human eye (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: How man learns from the human eye. Inventions using lenses)

Background imageInvention Collection: Early artists and printers at work (litho)

Early artists and printers at work (litho)
8676240 Early artists and printers at work (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Early artists and printers at work)

Background imageInvention Collection: Building a pre-fabricated house (b/w photo)

Building a pre-fabricated house (b/w photo)
8675785 Building a pre-fabricated house (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Building a pre-fabricated house)

Background imageInvention Collection: How men can work safely under water (litho)

How men can work safely under water (litho)
8676254 How men can work safely under water (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: How men can work safely under water)

Background imageInvention Collection: Oil switches for heating a 132, 000 volt circuit (b/w photo)

Oil switches for heating a 132, 000 volt circuit (b/w photo)
8636670 Oil switches for heating a 132, 000 volt circuit (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Oil switches for heating a 132, 000 volt circuit)

Background imageInvention Collection: A typical small car of to-day, the Morris Minor (b/w photo)

A typical small car of to-day, the Morris Minor (b/w photo)
8636658 A typical small car of to-day, the Morris Minor (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A typical small car of to-day, the Morris Minor)

Background imageInvention Collection: The ventilating furnace used to combat fogs at the Houses of Parliament, London (engraving)

The ventilating furnace used to combat fogs at the Houses of Parliament, London (engraving)
8631295 The ventilating furnace used to combat fogs at the Houses of Parliament, London (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageInvention Collection: Underground Parliament (engraving)

Underground Parliament (engraving)
8631293 Underground Parliament (engraving) by Furniss, Harry (1854-1925) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Underground Parliament)




For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"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.