Photocells and their application

Zworykin, Vladimir K. (1888-1982) and E. D. Wilson. Photocells and their application. xi, 209pp. Text illustrations. New York: John Wiley & Sons; London: Chapman & Hall, 1930. 195 x 134 mm. Original cloth, spine a bit faded, minor edgewear and scuffing. Ownership signature and notes on endpapers. Very good.

First Edition. Zworykin, one of the pioneers of modern television, obtained his Ph.D. in 1926 from the University of Pittsburgh with a thesis on the improvement of photoelectric cells. Also known as "electric eyes," photoelectric cells are devices that convert light energy into electrical energy; they are used as switches, light detectors, light meters and power sources. Zworykin spent several years at Westinghouse Labs in Pittsburgh working on various applications of photoelectric cells-including their possible use in television and image transmission-before leaving Westinghouse in 1930 to take charge of television development at RCA.