Images:
(1) (left) Contrasting images of first flashing column of light (1884)
(2) (right) IBM spelled out in atoms (1990).

Captions:
(1)The first flashing column of light, 1884. Invented, designed, built and operated by Hammer for the Edison Exhibit of the Franklin Institute Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1884 ... The name Edison flashed letter by letter and as a whole. The lights ran in spirals up and down the column by hand operated flashers. (2) Artists have almost always needed the support of patrons (scientists too!). Here, the artist, shortly after discovering how to move atoms with the STM, found a way to give something back to the corporation which gave him a job when he needed one and provided him with the tools he needed in order to be successful

Credits:
(1) William J. Hammer Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, SI neg. # 85-8773
(2) Dr. Don Eigler, IBM Almaden Research Center Visualization Lab.

Source: William Hammer Archives Center and IBM