Masses of lava slag at Alta Vista before 1886

"Masses of lava slag at Alta Vista" is a photograph taken by Charles Piazzi Smyth before 1886. The image depicts a close-up of a rocky landscape, likely taken in a volcanic region. The photograph is a testament to Smyth’s interest in geology and photography, using the medium to document the natural world. The image’s stark contrast and detail showcase the power of photography as a scientific tool. Smyth, a renowned astronomer, used photography to document his explorations, making this photograph a valuable historical record of the landscape.