Parabolic sound reflectors
Date
1878
Creator - Organisation
Cassell Petter & Galpin, Publisher
Material
Dimensions
height (object): 189mm
width (object): 120mm
width (object): 120mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Decorative book cover design showing a Victorian scientist between twin parabolic reflectors, listening to a sound transmitted from one dish reflected into his ear by the opposite sound dish. The detail appeared within a circular border as part of a larger design featuring a partly squared decoration and with leaf sprays.
Front cover of the book Wonders in acoustics; or, the phenomena of sound. From the French of Rodolphe Radau revised by Robert Ball, second edition (Cassell Petter & Galpin, London, 1878).
This cover is based on an engraving, figure 34 page 94 within the main body of the book. An accompanying description states that: ‘…if two parabolic mirrors are placed opposite each other, the slightest sound made at the focus of one is heard at the focus of the other…This makes them applicable in lighthouses, for throwing rays of light or the sounds of bells to a distance.’
Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840-1913) Irish astronomer was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1873.
Jean Charles Rodolphe Radau (1835-1911) Polish-born -astronomer and mathematician.
Front cover of the book Wonders in acoustics; or, the phenomena of sound. From the French of Rodolphe Radau revised by Robert Ball, second edition (Cassell Petter & Galpin, London, 1878).
This cover is based on an engraving, figure 34 page 94 within the main body of the book. An accompanying description states that: ‘…if two parabolic mirrors are placed opposite each other, the slightest sound made at the focus of one is heard at the focus of the other…This makes them applicable in lighthouses, for throwing rays of light or the sounds of bells to a distance.’
Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840-1913) Irish astronomer was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1873.
Jean Charles Rodolphe Radau (1835-1911) Polish-born -astronomer and mathematician.
Associated place