Auguste Marie Louis Nicolas Lumière (19 October 1862 – 10 April 1954)Dictionary of World Biography was a French engineer, industrialist, biologist, and illusionist.
During 1894–1895, he and his brother Louis invented an animated photographic camera and projection device, the cinematograph, which met with worldwide success.
Lumière was born in Besançon.
He attended the Martinière Technical School and worked as a manager at the photographic company of his father, Claude-Antoine Lumière.
He was invited to attend a demonstration of the Kinetoscope invented by Thomas Edison, which inspired his and his brother's work on the cinematograph.International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum The brothers screened their first film using this device in December 1895, and following the success of this initial venture opened a number of cinemas worldwide.
However, Auguste was skeptical of the potential of the device, remarking "My invention can be exploited... as a scientific curiosity, but apart from that it has no commercial value whatsoever".Life and times of Auguste Lumière
After his work on the cinematograph Lumière began focusing on the biomedical field, becoming a pioneer in the use of X-rays to examine fractures.
He also contributed to innovations in military aircraft, producing a catalytic heater to allow cold-weather engine starts.
He died in Lyon, aged 91.
See also
Lumière brothers
References
