For me, mobile phones (cells to my American readers) are nothing short of miraculous. The fact that I can talk to my daughter while she’s driving on an American freeway when I’m on a British motorway, without a taught piece of string between the two devices, is amazing.
Most people believe that smart phones are a recent invention. This is, of course, nonsense, as the Chinese had them one hundred years ago but kept the technology a closely guarded secret. Where’s the proof I hear you ask? In the photo above is my answer. This magic lantern slide was made in the 1920s and I don’t think there’s any doubt that the gentleman in the foreground is on his mobile. He has that ‘Wow, this photo of the bowl of rice that my mother-in-law’s, sister’s, neighbour is having for his tea is fascinating. I must share it with my friends immediately’ look on his face that we all know so well. Little did he know that a few seconds after the photo was taken, he would step into the road in front of a speeding rickshaw and his own cells would be permanently rearranged. Anyway, the camera can’t lie, can it!
If you found this interesting, please share it with your family and friends. If you’re not reading it on my ‘Magic Lantern World‘ website, then please visit. There are over one hundred illustrated articles about Victorian slide projection and links to my historical photo-booklets on Amazon, my Ebay shop for magic lantern slides and Etsy store for historical photo greetings cards with a twist. You can read about my authentic Victorian magic lantern shows and talks on ‘Optical entertainments before the movies’ and lots more!
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