We discuss John Clauser's main contributions to the first experiment dedicated to tests of Bell's theorem through an analysis of its material culture, namely the instruments and techniques that were used. In addition to a biographical note of Clauser and a presentation of the context of that experiment, we asked the following question: experiments on Bell's theorem could have been carried out before? Our analysis shows that there were obstacles related to the material culture for such an anticipation.
Bell; Clauser; quantum theory; hidden variables; material culture
