Sir #CharlesWheatstone concluded that the brain resolves the distance of objects using #BinocularVision & on the 21.06.1838 at the #RoyalSociety in London, he demonstrated an instrument he designed to prove his theory. The #Stereoscope was immensely popular in the 19th & early 20th CE, & was widely used for entertainment, in education & as an enthralling substitute to travel.
#CharlesWheatstone studied how physical media transferred information & developed seminal experiments that determined the #SpeedofSound & the #SpeedofElectricity through materials. He observed, light emitted by an electrical spark had a spectrum unique to the metal used to strike the arc, this discovery led to the #Spectroscopy used by astrophysicists & chemists today.
#CharlesWheatstone was born in 1802 to a family of music-sellers & makers of instruments. Aged 14, he was apprenticed to his Uncle at 436 Strand, London but preferred to study books instead. In later life, he applied his research into #Acoustics to improve musical Instrument design & he invented the #Concertina, which #WheatstoneAndCo still manufactures.
An accomplished linguist, #CharlesWheatstone could read scientific topics in multiple languages & used this ability to study treatise on #Electricity by leading scientists. In particular, the earlier work of the Italian #AlessandroVolta (1745-1827) and his #VoltaicPile invention helped Wheatstone solve the problem of #Telegraphy & develop the World’s 1st practical #Telegraph.
The electrical #Telegraph was invented by #CharlesWheatstone & #WilliamFothergillCooke. Cooke wanted to transmit information between signal boxes using electricity to ensure the safe operation of steam trains, but he lacked the scientific knowledge. Wheatstone rectified Cooke’s concept & together they created the 1st Telegraph, & in 1846 founded the #ElectricTelegraphCompany.
The 1878 #RoyalAcademyofArt Exhibition featured a marble bust of #CharlesWheatstone, marking his place in science, society & history. These Victorians cast scientists as modern heroes & now in 2025, the posthumous likeness of Wheatstone sculpted by #WGBrooker, has been captured in #3D by #Aralia using Sir #BrianMay's replica, & stereoscopically photographed by Denis Pellerin.