Pictures Dated 30th March 2004

Tide predicting machine: front view

Photograph of the front view of the tide-predicting machine, designed by Lord Kelvin in 1876. Constructed by Lege for the Indian government, it was used for 23 years as a means for automatically calculating the tides at Indian ports, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada. The principle of the tide indicator is the geometric construction known as harmonic motion.

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Football by the new electric light at Kennington Oval

Engraving showing spectators and players at a football match between the Wanderers and the Clapham Rovers illuminated by the new lighting system, which on this occasion was reported to be unsatisfactory due to the positioning of the lights. As illustrated in the sketch, the light caused shifting shadows and was confusing to the players.

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Registering the finish of a horse race by photograph

A photograph of how the finish of a horse race is photographed. In order to terminate any dispute about the winner in a race, the first horse breaks a tight wire operating the apparatus. Automatically the photographic plate is then impressed. This picture was taken at a French race course where the equipment was being tested.

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans