Home > Arts > Artists > P > those present
Balloon gas generation, 19th century
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Balloon gas generation, 19th century
Balloon gas generation. These generators are being used to produce hydrogen gas for use in military balloons. This is part of the 1885 campaign by the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Abyssinia at Massawa (present-day Eritrea). This system was invented by French balloonist and manufacturer Gabriel Yon (1835-1894). Dilute acid is added to iron filings in the two large vats. Hydrogen gas bubbles off and is piped through water to clean it of impurities. It is then stored in steel tanks under pressure until needed. Artwork from the first volume (first period of 1888) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6320425
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1885 1888 Aeronaut Africa African Annual Volume Aviation Aviator Ballooning Balloonist French Generate Generating Hydrogen Balloon La Science Illustree Louis Figuier Machine Magazine Manufacture Military Popular Science Produce Producing Production Soldier Transport Transportation Warfare Weekly Worker Abyssin Ia Abyssinian Eritrea Eritrean Mono Chrome
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> those present
> Arts
> Literature
> Magazines
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the balloon gas generation process during the 19th century. The image showcases an intricate system designed by French balloonist and manufacturer Gabriel Yon, used to produce hydrogen gas for military balloons. It specifically depicts the 1885 campaign by the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Abyssinia at Massawa (present-day Eritrea). The scene unfolds with two large vats filled with iron filings and dilute acid, initiating a chemical reaction that releases hydrogen gas. This valuable resource is then carefully piped through water to eliminate impurities before being stored under pressure in steel tanks until required. Artfully rendered in monochrome, this historical illustration from La Science Illustree's first volume of 1888 provides insight into the technological advancements of its time. It highlights how human ingenuity combined with industrial machinery facilitated transportation and warfare strategies. Within this frame, we witness a Caucasian worker diligently operating the equipment while surrounded by his fellow workers and soldiers. Their collaboration symbolizes both scientific progress and military prowess as they contribute to manufacturing these essential components for ballooning expeditions. This artwork not only serves as a testament to Gabriel Yon's innovative invention but also sheds light on the fascinating intersection between science, industry, and exploration during this era.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
