Ontlader before 1867

This photograph, taken by F.W. Funckler, depicts an ‘Ontlader’, a device for discharging static electricity, and is extracted from a catalogue. The catalogue itself is an institutional artifact, a tool for shaping and directing the consumption of scientific instruments. The image's meaning is constructed through its stark presentation. The "Ontlader" is isolated against the page, emphasizing its function as a discrete, purchasable object. It reflects a society increasingly fascinated by scientific advancement and electrification, yet also one where access to these technologies was mediated through commercial channels. The list form emphasizes a social shift in how scientific advancement was perceived. We might explore archives of scientific instrument manufacturers, retailers and educational institutions to understand the broader context of this image. The photograph prompts us to consider how scientific progress is both a cultural narrative and a commercial enterprise, shaping the very fabric of society.