The need of this had been obviated by an invention which he had first heard of in London during his visit there in 1816. It was a contrivance called "the Noctograph," meant for the use of the blind.
"William Hickling Prescott"
Harry Thurston Peck
Prescott then placed his Noctograph upon the floor and lay down flat beside it, writing in this attitude for many hours on nine consecutive days rather than give in.
"William Hickling Prescott"
Harry Thurston Peck
On October 6, 1829, after three months devoted to reviewing his notes for the opening chapter, he took his Noctograph and scrawled the initial sentence.
"William Hickling Prescott"
Harry Thurston Peck