Langlois, a Parisian
photographer, was confided an order to construct a special apparatus
which might be let down to the bottom of the well by a cord, and
which, being capable of operating from a distance, should furnish the
required information through sensitized plates. As may be seen, this
operation presented peculiar difficulties, although Mr. Langlois was
enabled to overcome these with much skill.
The photographic apparatus that the ingenious operator constructed was
contained in a metallic case that could be let down into the bore
hole. The upper and lower parts of the contrivance were provided with
incandescent lamps, that could be lighted or extinguished from a
distance, by means of conductors. The photographic apparatus, properly
so called, formed of an objective and camera with its sensitized
plate, was inclosed in a cylinder 31/2 inches in diameter. By means of a
cord drawn at the mouth of the well, the apparatus could be made to
issue from its vertical sheath, and to pivot around its axis so as
take views in different directions (Fig. 1).
The entire affair was suspended by twelve-foot iron rods, connected
with each other end for end.
In using the apparatus, the operating was done in a shanty, which
served as a dark room. The device was let down into the bore well
until it touched bottom.
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