Telephonoscope, George du Maurier, 9 December 1878

Early television/videophone concept, a forecast (almanac) for 1879, posted in the december 9th, 1878 issue of punch. Illustration description punch magazine cartoon print: edison's telephonoscope (transmits light as well as sound). (every evening, before going to bed, pater- and materfamilias set up an electric camera-obscura over their bedroom mantel-piece, and gladden their eyes with the sight of their children at the antipodes, and converse gaily with them through the wire. ) paterfamilias (in wilton place): 'beatrice, come closer, i want to whisper. ' beatrice (from ceylon): 'yes, papa dear. ' paterfamilias: 'who is that charming young lady playing on charlie's side?' beatrice: 'she's just come over from england, papa. I'll introduce you to her as soon as the game's over?' george du maurier's cartoon of 'an electric camera-obscura' is often cited as an early prediction of television and also anticipated the videophone, in wide screen formats and flat screens. The screen is approximately 2 metres wide and appears to have an aspect ratio of 2. 7:1, the same as ultra panavision. Artist: george du maurier, published: almanack for 1879. Date: 9 December 1878.