The word "pneograph" is spelled with a silent "p" at the beginning, as indicated by the IPA phonetic transcription /niːəgræf/. This phonetic symbol " / " stands for a voiced glottal fricative which is the sound of h in "uh-oh". The first syllable "pneo-" is derived from the Greek word "pneuma" meaning breath, while the second syllable "-graph" means writing or recording. A pneograph is a type of instrument that records respiratory movements or pressure patterns of the lungs.
A pneograph is a mechanical device utilized for writing or drawing that operates by utilizing compressed air or gas as the main power source. The word "pneograph" is derived from the combination of "pneuma," meaning air or gas, and "graph," meaning to write or draw.
The construction and functionality of a pneograph typically involve a series of interconnected tubes, valves, and chambers that control the flow of pressurized air or gas. When activated, the compressed air or gas is directed to a mechanism within the device, which then transfers the force onto a stylus or pen, allowing it to move across a surface such as paper or a drawing board. This mechanism may involve pistons, bellows, or other components designed to convert and transmit the air pressure into a precise and controlled writing or drawing motion.
Pneographs were popularly used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in offices for tasks such as letter writing, document replication, and artistic drawing. However, with advancements in technology, especially the advent of computers and digital devices, pneographs have become largely obsolete. Their historical significance lies in their role as early mechanical predecessors to modern-day writing and drawing tools, emphasizing the development of automation and the exploration of different power sources for creative purposes.
An instrument for recording the force and rapidity of the respiratory movements.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pneograph" is derived from two Greek roots: "pneuma" meaning "air" or "breath", and "graphē" meaning "writing" or "to write". Thus, the combination of these roots gives "pneograph" the meaning of "air writing" or "writing with air".