The Word "Photograph": First Used by Sir John Herschel in 1839

Introduction

The year 1839 is crucial in the history of photography, not only for the technical advances in the field, but also for the appearance of the word "photography" . This term, first used by the British scientist Sir John Herschel , describes the process of creating images from light. Herschel, known for his contributions to chemistry and astronomy, also left his mark on the evolution of photography, giving this revolutionary practice a name that would last for centuries.

Who was Sir John Herschel?

Sir John Herschel (1792–1871) was a British scientist known for his contributions to astronomy, chemistry, and physics. The son of astronomer William Herschel, he made important discoveries in several scientific fields, including the identification of new stars and the improvement of photographic processes. In 1839, Herschel played a pivotal role in developing an effective method for fixing photographic images, using chemical compounds such as sodium thiosulfate, a precursor to modern photographic fixers.

The Origin of the Word "Photography"

1. A Word Inspired by Science

The word "photography" comes from two Greek words: "photos" meaning light, and "graphein" meaning to write or draw. Herschel therefore proposed this word to literally describe the process of writing with light , which fits perfectly with the idea of ​​capturing images by exposing light-sensitive surfaces.

2. A Sustainable Definition

Since its inception, the word "photography" has remained the universal term for the process of creating images using light. Herschel first used the word in 1839 during a presentation at the Royal Society in London, where he explained the principles of the new photographic method invented by Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot .

The Impact of Sir John Herschel on Photography

1. The Invention of the Fixer

Herschel not only gave photography a name, but he also played a key role in fixing photographic images . He discovered that sodium thiosulfate could be used to fix photographs, a crucial process to prevent images from fading after they were captured.

2. Cyanotyping

In addition to his contributions to the daguerreotype and film photography, Herschel invented the cyanotype process, a technique that produces images in Prussian blue. This process is still used today, particularly for making fine art prints.

3. Contributions to Astronomy and Science

Herschel was a true polymath, having also contributed significantly to the mapping of stars and the exploration of galaxies. His inquisitive mind and interdisciplinary approach allowed him to influence many fields of science, including photography.

Conclusion

In 1839, Sir John Herschel not only introduced the word "photography" , but he also helped to improve the technical processes that would allow the art to flourish. His influence on the history of photography is inestimable, both for the terminology and for the scientific innovations he introduced. Today, we still use the word "photography" to refer to an art and science that continues to captivate the world.

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FAQs

Who invented the word "photography"?
The word "photograph" was first used by British scientist Sir John Herschel in 1839.

What does the word photography mean?
The word "photography" comes from the Greek words "photos" (light) and "graphein" (to write), literally meaning "writing with light."

What role did Sir John Herschel play in the history of photography?
In addition to inventing the word "photography," Herschel developed essential processes, such as the chemical fixative to stabilize images and cyanotype.

Where can I buy photo posters inspired by historical photography?
Explore a selection of artistic photo posters on La Boutique du Poster .