Drilling machine with diamond bit powered by compressed air, invented by the French civil engineer Rudolph Leschot (active 1863) being used to bore the Mont Cenis (Rejus Rail) tunnel connecting France and Italy. Drilling began in August 1857 and the tunnel opened for rail traffic in September 1871. From "The World of Wonders" (London, c1896).

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Size: 3033px × 3543px
Location:
Photo credit: © Photo12/Ann Ronan Picture Library / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 19th, boring, century, drilling, engraving, france, invention, italy, machine, passing, rock, site, tunnel