John Ernest Williamson

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

John Ernest Williamson (1881–1966) was a pioneering underwater photographer and oceanographer. He is best known for his development of the Photosphere, an innovative underwater viewing and photography device, and for his contributions to the field of underwater archaeology.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

John Ernest Williamson was born in 1881 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the son of Charles Williamson, a sea captain and inventor of the submarine tube, a device that allowed people to walk on the ocean floor. Inspired by his father's invention, Williamson developed a keen interest in the underwater world from a young age.

Career[edit | edit source]

In 1914, Williamson used his father's submarine tube to create the Photosphere, a device that allowed for underwater viewing and photography. The Photosphere was a large, spherical chamber with a thick glass window that could be lowered into the water. This invention revolutionized underwater photography and opened up new possibilities for scientific research and exploration.

Williamson's Photosphere was used in a number of significant underwater expeditions, including the discovery of the sunken USS Maine in Havana Harbor and the exploration of the Bermuda Triangle. His work also contributed to the development of underwater archaeology, a field that uses underwater techniques to study past human life.

In addition to his work with the Photosphere, Williamson was also a prolific writer and filmmaker. He produced several films about his underwater adventures, including Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1916), which was the first motion picture filmed underwater.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

John Ernest Williamson's contributions to underwater photography and oceanography have had a lasting impact on these fields. His invention of the Photosphere paved the way for modern underwater exploration and research, and his films brought the wonders of the underwater world to a wide audience.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Noto Project Wave Emoji.svg
   This article is a oceanography stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


Crystal 128 camera SVG.svg
   This article is a photography-related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD