Universele physiograaf before 1901

This is an image of a ‘Universele physigraaf’ by Adolphe Louis Donnadieu. While the exact date of this invention remains unknown, it reflects the evolving technologies and cultural fascinations of its time. The physigraaf, designed to aid photography of immersed objects, embodies the intersection of science, art, and technology. It reflects a period of scientific innovation, yet it also speaks to the power structures embedded in the practice of photography itself. It would be interesting to know how this apparatus may have facilitated exploration, documentation, or even exploitation in various contexts. This device, with its intricate design and specific function, stands as a testament to human curiosity and the drive to capture and understand the world around us. How might this invention have shaped perceptions of the natural world, or influenced narratives of exploration and discovery?