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The Telescope Completed, 1900. Creator: Unknown
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The Telescope Completed, 1900. Creator: Unknown
The Telescope Completed, 1900. The Great Paris Exhibition Telescope of 1900, the largest refracting telescope ever constructed, had an objective lens of 1.25 m (49 in) in diameter. Conceived as the centrepiece of the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1900, it was the brainchild of Francois Deloncle. The mirrors and lenses were made by the Gautier Company and the Jeumont Glassworks. It was not suited for scientific use, however, as its design made it difficult to aim at astronomical objects. When the exposition finished, the telescopes builders were unable to sell it and it was broken up for scrap, the lenses being removed and stored. From " The Strand Magazine, an illustrated monthly", Volume XIX - January to June 1900, edited by George Newnes. [George Newnes Ltd, London, 1900]
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Media ID 19175073
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Cultural Event Enormous Exposition Universelle 1900 Francois Gautier George Newnes George Newnes Ltd Huge Ile De France Innovation Large Newnes Newnes George Paris Ile De France France Paul Strand Magazine Telescope White Elephant Worlds Fair Metaphor Paris Exposition 1900
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The Telescope Completed, 1900 - A Monument to Ambition and Misfortune
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. This print captures the grandeur of "The Great Paris Exhibition Telescope of 1900" a marvel of engineering that stood as the centerpiece of the Paris Universal Exhibition. With its massive objective lens measuring an impressive 1.25 meters in diameter, this refracting telescope was hailed as the largest ever constructed. Conceived by Francois Deloncle, this ambitious project aimed to showcase France's technological prowess on a global stage. However, despite its awe-inspiring size, it soon became apparent that this magnificent creation was ill-suited for scientific use. Its design made it incredibly challenging to aim at celestial objects with precision. As fate would have it, when the exhibition concluded, attempts to sell this colossal telescope proved futile. Left abandoned and forgotten, it met a tragic end - dismantled for scrap metal while its lenses were stored away. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of both human ingenuity and unforeseen obstacles faced in pursuit of progress. It symbolizes how even monumental achievements can sometimes become white elephants - beautiful yet impractical creations burdened by their own limitations. Through this image captured by an unknown artist from "The Strand Magazine" we are transported back in time to witness an era where innovation clashed with reality. The shattered dreams embodied within these broken fragments speak volumes about the complexities inherent in our quest for advancement – reminding us that not all endeavors yield success but still contribute valuable lessons along the way.
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