Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-08-27
PHOTOGRAPHIC MOTION.
Successful Experiments at the University
of Pennyslvania.
fha

successful Experiments at the University
of Pennsylvania.
From the Philadelphia Recordl
Interesting experiments in instantan.
eous photography are being made by
Edward Muybridge at the University OF
Pennsylvania. A space on the college
grounds has been set apart with high
board fence surrounding three sides OF
the enclosure; the fence has been painted
bright white. On the fourth side
there is shed covered with black
material, while the ground is covered
with an inch of coal dust. This is the
background, and directly opposite is a
little structure, with an open front con-
tanning twelve cameras. On SATURDAY.
the lenses were covered with double
rubber shutters, and each was held by
latch. Each of these latches was
connected by wire, and so arranged
that the closing of an electric circuit
would iberate the shutters, and for the
thousandth part of second permit
light to shine into the camera.
A splendidiy developed young stu-
dent, a member of the university crew,
stripped to the skin, was photographed
IN various attitudes. He took his posi-
ton in front of the rows of cameras.
At signal he seized bucket of water,
raised it in the air and tossed away the
contents. The instant he moved Mr..
Muybridge touched an electric button.
A series of sharp clicks sounded as in
camera were freed. AS the last click
sounded the water was falling to the
ground, and twelve photographs had
been taken of the young man, represent
ing twelve phases of the movements
through which his body went while lift
ing the pail and emptying it of water
Even the water itself was photographed
as fast as leaving the pail, again as fall
ing, and again as reaching the ground
The young athlete was also photo
graphed pulling rowing machine
climbing a ladder, striking ball. and
other movements designed to bring bis
muscles into full play. The actions and
motions of two crippIes were successful.
ly transferred to plate. Studies were
made of nude female model. Instead
OF row of cameras exposed in success
sion, six cameras were concentrated up.
on the models figure-one in front, one
behind, and four others SO as to give
side views at different angles-and all
were exposed simultaneously for frac-
ton of the second during which she was
making the specified movement.
Mr.. Muybridge's experiments are I'M
der the supervision of committee of
the University Faculty, composed of
Provost Pepper, Prof. Harrison Allen,
DR.. Leidy, Prof. George F. Barker,
Prof. Marks, Prof. Huidekoper, of the
veterinary department; Prof. Aikens,
of the Academy of Fine Arts, and DIR.
Dercum.
Photographs will be taken to show
the consecutive phases of motion of
selected men and women while perform
ing muscular exercises and different
mechanical operations, as carpentry
and blacksmithing; the movements of
persons suffering from palsy and dis
eases of the joints, showing exactly
how the gait is affected, and Analysing
accurately the abnormal action of the
muscles; the movements of horses,
dogs and other animals at different
rates of speed; the aerial locomotion of
birds on the wing, and the methods of
propulsion of marine mammals, aquatic
birds and fish.