Early Concepts of Virtual Reality (Before the 20th Century)

The idea of virtual reality is not new. As early as the 19th century, inventors experimented with devices that created the illusion of depth and immersion. One of the earliest examples was the stereoscope, invented by Charles Wheatstone in 1838, which allowed viewers to see three-dimensional images. In the early 20th century, panoramic paintings and mechanical devices provided immersive experiences, but real breakthroughs came later as science and technology advanced.