For those curious about pedals and their evolution over the time that bikes have existed, a peek at the Speedplay Museum is recommended! As I understand it, this is the collection of Richard Bryne (IIRC), the former owner of Speedplay Pedals.
I found a couple of photos on flickr of his collection:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chicken_strip/3420741292
https://www.flickr.com/photos/25671211@N02/4512934346
and a couple of specific pedals from Mr. Bryne's flickr account....
the Cinelli M-71 clipless track pedal, sometimes referred to as the "death pedal".
https://www.flickr.com/photos/speedp...7625683326281/
a pedal used by (and designed by?) Pierre Lallement, circa 1866
https://www.flickr.com/photos/speedp...7625683326281/
Brown's Aeolus Ball Bearing Pedal, circa 1877
Apparently these were the first pedals to use ball bearings instead of just a bushing.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/speedp...7625683326281/
It's worth a few minutes to peruse Mr. Bryne's other bike tech photos in his flickr account. All sorts of curiosities in there!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/speedplaypedals/
Steve in Peoria