Illumination items: A pre-set proportional dimming switchboard for the theater

When, in an attempt to escape the dominance of the elements, the play first moved under a roof, it was forced to accept the limitations of artificial illumination. Originally, of course, only visibility was demanded, and the flambeaux and brazier torches then available were adequate. The introduction of gas (Lyceum Theater, London, 1803) greatly simplified stage lighting, since it made possible a central control, permitting an operator, by means of valves at one point, to control all of the lights on the stage. The introduction of the incandescent electric lamp was responsible for great technical advance in the art of stage lighting, mainly because of the methods evolved for controlling intensity and for coordinating the action of many lights.