Before conductors used a baton, what was used for conducting an orchestra?

I love old music trivia questions like this.

The Baton was first reported to be used in 709BC. But it became popular in modern times between 1820 to 1840. Although first reported used by Hail Turk in 1810. Louis Spohr claimed dropped had brought the concept to England April 1820 while conducting the Royal Philamonic, likely in rehearsals. Mendleson was encouraged to lead the Royal Philanonic in 1832 from the front rather than the lead violin or harpsichord position.

jerp, I think the answer to thar is quite difficult to answer, but it became popular in 1832, when Mendleson was conducting the Royal Philamonic orchestra

when was it first introduces and who came up with the idea