In H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine," the protagonist expresses a sense of regret over a missed opportunity to capture a moment from the future. The mention of a Kodak suggests a desire for a way to document and analyze the intriguing visions he encounters in the Under-world. This reflects the human impulse to hold onto fleeting experiences and explore the unknown through tangible means.

The quote illustrates the blend of excitement and lamentation that accompanies exploration and discovery. The protagonist yearns for the ability to revisit and closely study the extraordinary sights he witnesses, highlighting his fascination with time travel and the complexities of the future. It underscores the broader theme of the novel, where the quest for knowledge often comes with a sense of inadequacy in fully grasping the wonders that lie beyond our current reality.