The Camera Lucida in Art and Science,

A comprehensive history of the camera lucida, tracing its various uses as an aid to artists and scientists. Invented in 1806 by William Wollaston, it enjoyed popularity throughout the nineteenth century, but declined into obscurity by 1930. Now, it has been relegated to a small place in science and to advertisements in comic books. Nevertheless the camera lucida had an enormous effect on visual culture, in spite of its relative marginalization. A fascinating history.